March 3, 2010

“Concerns over government bail outs and health care have been at the forefront of our nation’s psyche this past year. In our own Miami-Dade County, these issues have comingled and come to a very ugly head at Jackson Memorial Hospital. Numerous press reports and a recently released audit reveal that mismanagement and a lack of accountability have led to a well-documented financial crisis at Jackson.

Without a doubt, Jackson Memorial Hospital is a historic institution that has provided valuable services to the Greater Miami area and, Associated Industries of Florida (AIF) recognizes and respects the role it has played in that community throughout the years. However, as an institution that has received significant taxpayer support in the form of local, state and federal funds, we cannot ignore the fact that Jackson has become dysfunctional.

With the hospital so far in the red, it’s not just Miami-Dade County that will be left to foot the bill. Employers across Florida are concerned about new taxes on businesses to fund a state government bail out of Jackson Memorial Hospital.

AIF urges our state lawmakers to request a comprehensive turnaround plan, for review and approval by the Legislature, before any additional government funds are provided to Jackson Memorial Hospital. As the Miami Herald so aptly put it today, it’s time for Jackson to ‘get its house in order.’”