Statement by IHA President Maryjane Wurth on the Governor's State of the State Address

NAPERVILLE, Ill., Jan. 13 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The following is a statement by IHA President Maryjane Wurth on the Governor's State of the State Address:

"We commend the Governor for stressing the importance of creating jobs and revitalizing the state's economy. Hospitals and the health care system are a critical part of that effort.

"As major employers of nearly a quarter of a million highly skilled and well paid health care professionals and as major purchasers of goods and services, Illinois' hospitals and health systems generate a total economic impact on the state of $72 billion annually. With so many jobs dependent on the fiscal health of hospitals, what's good for hospitals is good for the economy, their local communities and the state.  

"Illinois hospitals recognize the state faces budget challenges without easy fixes. We agree with the Governor that the state can address these challenges with strategic borrowing, more federal funds and enhanced revenues. We urge the Governor and the General Assembly to find the necessary revenues to support health care and other important social needs.  We also urge them to push Congress for an extension of the state's higher federal Medicaid matching rate that it now receives under the economic stimulus law as well as a permanent rate increase.

"The Illinois Hospital Association and the hospital community are committed to working with the Governor and the General Assembly on constructive, workable ways to address the state's challenges without jeopardizing our health care system."

The Illinois Hospital Association (IHA), with offices in Naperville and Springfield, is an advocate for 200 Illinois hospitals and health systems and the patients and communities they serve. Additional information about IHA is available online at www.ihatoday.org.

SOURCE Illinois Hospital Association