Senator Squadron Testifies on Lich: "It Should Be No Surprise That the Community Feels Looted"

NEW YORK -- Today, State Senator Daniel Squadron, who represents Long Island College Hospital (LICH) in Cobble Hill and its surrounding communities, testified at the State University of New York's public board meeting on Downstate Medical Center and LICH.

Squadron urged the board of trustees to vote against a resolution that would authorize Downstate's president to propose a plan that would likely close LICH and sell off the hospital for real estate development with no community benefit. 

"Now that we are faced with a plan that essentially turns this $63 million state grant into a subsidy for a massive real estate deal, it should be no surprise that the community and state feel looted," said Squadron, referring to the HEAL New York grant awarded to LICH and Downstate when the two institutions merged in October 2010.

Squadron also disputed claims that LICH's bed occupancy is below capacity.

"Making it impossible for LICH to be a 500-bed hospital, then shutting it down because it isn't one, is Orwellian," he testified.

Squadron's full testimony is available below.

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