Home > Political Insider > Archives > 2007 > July > 02 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USRichardson on Grady: ‘There’s a case to be made’ for state help
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Some important points to come out of House Speaker Glenn Richardson’s press conference today on Grady Memorial Hospital.
— For the first time since Democrats lost the Capitol, a ranking Republican has acknowledged that the state of Georgia might bear some responsibility for keeping Grady afloat. Richardson said he didn’t know exactly what that responsibility was. “But I think there’s a case to be made for it,” he said.
— The idea to wade into the issue was hatched at the House Republican Caucus’ gathering at St. Simons Island over the weekend. “Doing something to help Grady was of significant interest to the leadership,” Richardson said.
“This is not something you’d expect me to do,” the Speaker said — but reminded reporters that, four years ago, he’d been taken to Grady with a concussion after a car wreck on the interstate.
— In terms of heft, Richardson had Gov. Sonny Perdue beat on Monday. After the speaker announced his decision to wade into the Grady issue, Perdue’s office served notice that the governor will announce a new tournament Tuesday as part of his “Go Fish Georgia” program.
To be fair, the governor is just back from a two-week trade mission to Europe. And, thinking crassly, Richardson is in greater need of an opportunity to play the white knight than is the governor.
— To fund Grady’s expenses, and those of trauma units elsewhere in the state, the Speaker broached the possibility of a surcharge on 911 service. Not a tax increase, he said, because it would be a payment for new services rendered — liked Enhanced 911. Those in need of emergency help could “not only be located, but medicated,” he said. We’ll let the ideologues sort that one out.
Comments
Commenting is now closed for this entry.
By Dan
July 2, 2007 5:51 PM | Link to this
Congratulations to Mr. Richardson for standing up and showing leadership. I’m a Cherokee Republican and hadn’t been too happy with Glenn lately, but anybody with common sense knows that we need to keep Grady open for so many reasons. Do-nothing Perdue is the worst thing that’s happened to this state in a long time. He has no urgency to serve the public good and doesn’t give a flip about something unless it personally benefits him or his ego.
By Mike
July 2, 2007 6:05 PM | Link to this
This is good. As a doctor, I know how much Grady is depended upon - most people have no idea just how much. If a state takeover of Grady is needed, then get it done. This isn’t MARTA asking for hand-outs. This is a serious health issue in need of a serious solution. Good job Glenn.
By SharonH
July 2, 2007 10:16 PM | Link to this
More than likely, the big money lobbyists that Glenn works for like the Georgia Hospital Association and the Medical Association of Georgia told him to get off of his butt and work for the money they pay him. Physicians and hospitals stand to lose big if the poor and uninsured that are currently served by Grady start to flood their hospitals and doctor’s offices. No way, they are going to let that happen.
White knight my butt.
By Steve
July 3, 2007 8:34 AM | Link to this
You all need to wake up, Grady is just a preview of what many public hospitals face since Sonny Perdoofus decided that too much state money was spent on healthcare. With so many uninsured and indigent, many hospitals will be in deep do in the next few years!
By Taxpayer
July 3, 2007 10:29 AM | Link to this
Thank you Glenn. The Only True Leader in this State.
By Taxpayer
July 3, 2007 10:30 AM | Link to this
Thank you Glenn. The Only True Leader in this State.
By Victor Jones
July 3, 2007 3:04 PM | Link to this
You know you are in Georgia when 307 people get upset about a Florida tag vs 6 concerned with such minor issues as the Grady Hospital Crisis.
Jim, you look lonely without someone in the forefront, may i suggest using a picture of the “federally incarcerated political criminal” of the week to keep you company?
By Willygoc
July 9, 2007 2:53 PM | Link to this
Bush’s birthday is not a big deal but really should! I wish him good health and clear mind! Black jack professional
Black jack boy
By govokinolij
July 10, 2007 1:11 PM | Link to this
Hello
Looks good! Very useful, good stuff. Good resources here. Thanks much!
G’night