|
|
Reprinted from the Hartford Courant OP ED December 6, 2009
Could VA Be Partner For UConn Health Center?
By DAVID BARAM and TIMOTHY LARSON
December 6, 2009
With the announcement that the University of Connecticut Health Center will not pursue a proposed partnership with Hartford Hospital, there is an opportunity for the General Assembly to consider other options — such as a partnership with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
UConn President Michael Hogan acknowledged that there was not sufficient support among legislative leaders or from the governor's office for the partnership with Hartford Hospital. The proposal would have cost Connecticut $475 million plus estimated annual labor subsidies of $13 million. The partnership was criticized for its price tag and for favoring Hartford Hospital over St. Francis Hospital and Medical Center and other, smaller hospitals. At a time of record state budget deficits, the proposal faced a contentious debate on its cost alone.
Certainly, keeping UConn's medical school viable and reputable, and offering hospital services in the Farmington Valley, requires our immediate attention. Without a solution, the health center's yearly deficits are expected to continue and the legislature will be called upon to rescue it for years to come.
As this debate was simmering, we began researching other alternatives in the event the partnership proposal failed. We believe that the time is right to explore another possible way to strengthen the UConn medical school and the John Dempsey Hospital, while helping many people in need of high-quality health care. We are encouraging the legislature's Public Health Committee to study and consider the viability of working with the VA.
The VA has been affiliated with various academic medical centers for 63 years. The Office of Legislative Research reports that "107 of the nation's 125 medical schools, including the UConn Health Center, have affiliation agreements with VA hospitals. These primarily involve medical students and residents training in VA facilities."
Specifically, some VA hospitals and academic medical centers have ventured into joint clinical programs and facilities. VA hospitals in South Carolina and Texas operate research facilities with state medical schools. The VA hospital in New Orleans and the Louisiana State University Medical Center of New Orleans have teamed up to construct adjacent facilities joined by a common building housing shared services.
Both hospitals were damaged by Hurricane Katrina in 2005. As part of the joint endeavor, Congress approved $75 million for planning and designing the VA hospital, and an additional allocation of $550 million is being recommended for construction.
In 2006, the VA appointed a commission to identify ways to promote such affiliations. The commission's report is due by year's end.
There are several other examples of VA partnerships with medical centers. In Charleston, S.C., although a proposal to jointly build a shared hospital failed, a collaboration involving doctor training, shared faculty and a joint research facility have succeeded.
In 2003, the Texas A&M Health Sciences Center, the VA and a hospital affiliated with the college dedicated an $11.5 million cardiovascular research institute located on the VA campus. The VA paid for construction, the hospital contributed start-up funding, and the university pays faculty salaries.
With this history of VA collaborations in mind and with the VA's blue-ribbon commission about to report on opportunities for more joint ventures, we believe that Connecticut is well poised to take advantage of a VA and UConn health center partnership. The potential of VA funding and federal stimulus funds could significantly reduce the financial burden for the state's taxpayers. Using Connecticut's political clout in Washington, we believe that Connecticut could spearhead a national model of VA-state cooperation, which could create a combined hospital and state medical school of unparalleled quality.
A VA-Connecticut collaboration would allow the VA to construct a first-rate hospital that would benefit our state veterans without sending them to other medical centers throughout New England. Facing a period of increased world tensions, our veterans returning from war zones in Iraq, Afghanistan and other deployments deserve the very best medical care.
At the same time, the state has an opportunity to preserve the John Dempsey Hospital and maintain our highly regarded medical school. Such a merger would require more study, but it is sufficiently promising to pursue.
•Rep. David Baram, D-Bloomfield, represents the 15th Assembly District, which includes Bloomfield and Windsor. Rep. Timothy Larson, D- East Hartford, represents the 11th Assembly District, which includes East Hartford and South Windsor.
Back to the top
October 31, 2009
Dear Friends and Parents,
I am writing to you as Chairman of the Bloomfield Democratic Town Committee. This communication is in response to an email previously sent by Board of Education Chairman, James Michel. Unfortunately his email was circulated to numerous people and public officials, which is how I received your email address. I regret that Mr. Michel breached your trust by using a PTO email list for political purposes. The Bloomfield Democratic Party felt it was important to respond however, so inaccurate information disseminated in James Michel’s letter can be corrected.
The Democratic candidates for Bloomfield Town Council are all, without exception, strong supporters of education. In fact, three of them are former teachers. Every year since Dr. David Title became Superintendent, the Democratic Town Council has increased budget allocations to the school system. Democrats supported a $90 Million Bond Referendum that passed two years ago. This money is being used to renovate our schools that were in disrepair.
Each and every year however, the Republican Party votes to significantly cut the education budget. In the last edition of the Bloomfield Journal, the Chairman of the Bloomfield Republican Party said that we should “forget the kids”, advocating big reductions in educational funding for Bloomfield schools. This week at a candidates’ debate, Republican Council candidates again advocated big educational cuts, suggesting that we should close our schools and send your children elsewhere. That is what the future holds under a Republican Council or Board of Education.
Bloomfield Democrats support our educational system and understand that your children are the future of our Town, State and Country. That doesn't mean however, that Democrats can’t insist on academic achievement, improved test scores, more money for classroom instruction and less for bureaucrats, Administration accountability, and prudent expenditure of your tax dollars.
In a debate before the High School Building Committee over the appropriate cost of a press box for the football field, Council member Joan Gamble expressed her opinions. Originally the Building Committee asked for $500,000.00 to construct the press box. Following a review of specifications and input from a contractor it was ultimately reduced by the Town Council to $200,000.00.
During the debate somebody on the Building Committee said that all students who participate in our football program go to college, as justification for a more expensive press box. Councilperson Joan Gamble responded by indicating that not all students or football players attend college. Ms. Gamble was specifically referring to two students who are her neighbors, now employed at a local car wash. Her reply was in context to the previous comment suggesting that a more expensive press box is somehow related to attending college. Joan is a former teacher, a big supporter of education, a life long Bloomfield resident, and a volunteer at the High School. She would never suggest that our students are incapable of going to college. To the contrary, she has tutored and assisted many students with college admissions, and is proud of the accomplishments of so many Bloomfield students.
Unfortunately, James Michel used this comment to attack his fellow Democrats because he is unhappy that his colleagues are pressing for better academic progress and budgetary accountability. The Democrats strongly support education, and always have. The needs of our students are a priority. Democrats want the best education possible for our students.
I ask that you continue to support all Democratic candidates in the local election this Tuesday, November 3rd. Please don’t let the misinformation circulated by James Michel change your vote. His personal grudge does not justify his circulation of your private email lists, using erroneous information to influence your vote. Read the Bloomfield Journal and decide for yourself which political Party supports education. I have no doubt, that you will conclude that education is a Democratic priority, while Republicans are prepared to dismantle the Bloomfield school system.
If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact me at Baram4@aol.com.
Sincerely,
David Baram, Chair
Bloomfield Democratic Town Committee
Back to the top
July 21, 2009
2009 Veto Session
The General Assembly met in session on Monday, July 20, to consider overrides of some of the 20 pieces of legislation vetoed from the 2009 legislative session by Governor Rell.
In all, legislators voted to override an historic seven bills that had been rejected by the Governor – bills that protect and support Connecticut families and businesses.
As a result of the overrides, new laws will:
• Provide a framework for health care reform through the SustiNet plan (HB 6600 - An Act Concerning the Establishment of the SustiNet Plan), which establishes a voluntary board of directors that will make legislative recommendations by 2011 on the details and implementation of a self-insured health care delivery plan for Connecticut.
• Extend insurance coverage to the families of custodians working in State buildings (HB 6502 - An Act Concerning the Standard Wage for Certain Connecticut Workers).
• Offer environmental protections for Long Island Sound through the establishment of a commission (SB 1078 - An Act Establishing a Bi-State Long Island Sound Commission) (with the State of New York) to review and consider major environmental, ecological and energy issues involving the Sound.
• Address the state’s transportation infrastructure (HB 6649 - An Act Concerning the Programs and Activities of the Department of Transportation).
• Study health and safety conditions for workers in corrections facilities (HB 6684 - An Act Establishing a Correctional Staff Health and Safety Subcommittee of the Criminal Justice Policy Advisory Commission).
• Improve the state’s ability to forecast revenues and budgets (SB 1162 - An Act Requiring Consensus Revenue Estimates).
David A. Baram
5 Warbler Circle
Bloomfield, Ct. 06002
243-3041 - h
242-5555 - w
baram4@aol.com
Back to the top
May 23, 2009
Dear BTC Members,
It’s been a very busy couple of weeks for the House Democrats. As the session moves toward its conclusion on June 3rd, budget negotiations continue and many items remain on our agenda.
During the past few weeks, the House made decisions that address the budget deficit, and acted on some difficult issues. Here are examples of House actions taken in the last couple of weeks.
Addressing the deficit
The Legislature overwhelmingly approved the agreement with state employees that was negotiated by the Governor. It will achieve some $700 million in savings over the next two plus years. The concessions from state employees will be difficult for many families. We are grateful to them however, for recognizing their responsibility to be a part of the budget solution. Legislative staff employees also will participate in the concessions, saving additional dollars.
Healthy and safe children
Three bills will create a healthier state for our children. One bans toxins from baby bottles, another limits the use of pesticides at daycare centers, and a third promotes green cleaning products in our schools. Also, a bill that will keep machine guns out of the hands of children under the age of 16, hopefully preventing future tragedies like the one that claimed the life of an 8-year-old Connecticut boy last year.
Lower energy costs
A bill that will lower electricity costs to residential and small business customers with utility standard service by ending the state’s reliance on the retail energy market, instead using a stable customer base and elimination of risk to procure less costly power contracts.
A bill that would create a public power authority to coordinate the state’s electricity needs and conservation efforts, and to promote conservation and efficiency and minimize the costs of electric services to consumers.
Death Penalty
A bill that abolishes the death penalty as a sentencing option for murder, instead making the penalty life imprisonment without the possibility of release. The Senate also passed this legislation, but the Governor stated that she will veto it.
Regionalization and Streamlining Government
A package of bills that would save taxpayer dollars and more efficiently deliver government services, laying the groundwork for regionalism, streamlining government and installing a pilot program for performance based budgeting.
A bill that allows municipalities to delay property revaluation to the 2011 assessment year, saving cities and towns as well as homeowners possible property tax rate increases during the economic downturn.
Credit Protection
Two bills passed that help protect people from being hurt by bad credit. The first bill helps prevent young people from damaging their credit by restricting credit card companies’ marketing on Connecticut’s campuses and the second bill prevents employers from unfairly using credit checks in the hiring process.
Sincerely yours,
David Baram, State Representative 15th District
Back to the top
May 15, 2009
Dear Residents of Bloomfield and Windsor,
It’s been a busy couple of weeks for the Representatives in the State House. As the session moves toward its conclusion on June 3rd, budget negotiations continue and many items remain on our agenda, including healthcare reform. We have been meeting three to four times a week, sometimes finishing at 1am or 2am in the morning! Still we are striving to complete our business and work for the people of our State. Here are some examples of issues that we have addressed.
Addressing the deficit
The legislature overwhelmingly approved the agreement with state employees that will achieve some $700 million in savings over the next two plus years. The concessions from state employees will be difficult for many families to endure, and we are grateful to them for recognizing their responsibility to be a big part of the budget solution.
Healthy and Safe Children
Three bills will create a healthier state for our children. One bans toxins from baby bottles, another limits the use of pesticides at daycare centers, and a third promotes green cleaning products in our schools. Also, a bill that will keep machine guns out of the hands of children under the age of 16, hopefully preventing future tragedies like the one that claimed the life of an 8-year-old Connecticut boy last year.
Lower Energy Costs
A bill that will lower electricity costs to residential and small business customers with utility standard service by ending the state’s reliance on the retail energy market, instead using a stable customer base and elimination of risk to procure less costly power contracts.
A bill that would create a public power authority to coordinate the state’s electricity needs and conservation efforts, and to promote conservation and efficiency and minimize the costs of electric services to consumers.
Death Penalty
A bill that abolishes the death penalty as a sentencing option for murder, instead substituting the penalty life imprisonment without the possibility of release.
Regionalization and Streamlining Government
A package of bills that would save taxpayer dollars and more efficiently deliver government services, laying the groundwork for regionalism, streamlining government and installing a pilot program for performance based budgeting.
A bill that allows municipalities to delay property revaluation to the 2011 assessment year, saving cities and towns as well as homeowners possible property tax rate increases during the economic downturn.
Credit Protection
Two bills passed that help protect people from being hurt by bad credit. The first bill helps prevent young people from damaging their credit by restricting credit card companies’ marketing on Connecticut’s campuses and the second bill prevents employers from unfairly using credit checks in the hiring process.
These are examples of the many legislative bills passed in recent days. I will endeavor to keep you apprised of upcoming legislation as we proceed through to the end of our Session.
David Baram
State Representative,
15th Assembly District
Bloomfield and Windsor
Back to the top
April 1, 2009
I would like to take this opportunity to thank the residents of Bloomfield and Windsor for their support and vote of confidence in the Special Election on March 24th. I am honored to be your State Representative from the 15th Assembly District as I strive to meet the standards established by our late Representative, Faith McMahon. I will work as hard as I can, to be an accessible and responsive public servant. Please share your opinions, insight and concerns with me throughout the year. I value your guidance.
My first week at the Capitol has been both incredibly exciting and intense. I have received an outpouring of support and assistance from my fellow legislators. I am particularly grateful to the Bloomfield - Windsor legislators: Senators Eric Coleman and Johnathan Harris, and Representatives Peggy Sayers, Matt Conway and Ken Green. We all talk and consult on a regular basis, and have developed a close collegiality in working for our common constituents.
I am happy to report that I have been appointed to the following Committees: Judiciary, Banking, and Children. Although the Committees on Banking and Children finished their business before I was sworn in, the Judiciary has been having a marathon of meetings, lasting well into the night! The issues are complex and demanding, but I must admit, I have thoroughly enjoyed the debate and legislative process!
Once again I thank you for your support. Please feel free to contact my legislative assistant Barry Hubbard at 240-0089 if I can be of assistance to you. My legislative email address is David.Baram@cga.ct.gov . I look forward to working together with you to meet the challenges facing our communities and the State of Connecticut.
Sincerely,
David Baram
Back to the top
|
To see other blogs from David, click on the date of publication
October 31, 2009
July 21, 2009
May 23, 2009
May 15, 2009
April 1, 2009
|
 |
