Message Archive
July 2, 2009
Financial Update from the Vice President for Health Affairs
While Governor Rell and the legislature continue to work out
an agreement for the FY 10 and FY 11 state budget, I’m pleased
to say the Governor has signed legislation that will cover the
Health Center’s deficit for the FY 09.
The deficit bill includes $22.2 million to help us end this year
with a balanced budget. Budget shortfalls in FY 09 stemmed from
several ongoing challenges with the clinical enterprise. We have
too few medical-surgical beds and our important specialty
services, such as the NICU and psychiatry services, are poorly
reimbursed.
As you know, these challenges are not new. The Health Center and
the University have been actively seeking a long-term solution
for our financial situation. We have engaged legislative and
executive leaders in these discussions and have closely followed
recommendations made by the CASE report, which was authorized by
the General Assembly.
Certainly, we are encouraged and gratified by the legislature’s
and the Governor’s support of our 09 deficit funding. In terms
of the FY 10 and FY 11 state budget, the Health Center is
watching the special session closely. Joann Lombardo, our
Government Relations Director, and others are communicating
regularly with legislative leaders on our behalf. I deeply
appreciate their work on behalf of the Health Center.
I will share new information with you as soon as it becomes
available. Needless to say, we are also awaiting legislative
action on the proposed partnership with Hartford Healthcare and
will also provide details as soon as possible.
These are certainly busy and demanding times for the Health
Center. Please know I appreciate your patience, your support and
the great work you do every day.
Cato T. Laurencin, M.D., Ph.D.
Vice President for Health Affairs
Dean, School of Medicine
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