Political Quotes

“Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize the many hospital professionals that serve every day to keep our communities leading strong, healthy lives. Having spent 28 years as a therapist, rehabilitation services manager, and a licensed nursing home administrator, I know firsthand the many challenges this industry continues to face. Medicare and Medical Assistance payments are just a few of the many variables beyond a hospital's control--Medicare that only pays 80 to 90 cents for every dollar of cost in delivering care and Medical Assistance that only pays 40 to 60 cents for every dollar of cost in delivering care. As Congress continues to work on issues impacting this industry, it is important to recognize the critical role our hospitals play in not only providing access to cost-effective care, but also economic growth. In my home State of Pennsylvania, more than 584,000 individuals depend on hospitals for their jobs through direct and indirect employment. The economic contributions made by Pennsylvania's hospitals to local communities continue to increase, rising to $98.9 billion in 2010, and that's up from $89.8 billion during 2008. When 268,000 hospital employees spend money on products and services, it translates to nearly 317,000 additional hospital service-related jobs and more than $13 billion in employee compensation. More than $27.2 billion in total labor income is generated directly and indirectly by Pennsylvania hospitals.…”