By State Representative Rusty Kidd (I-Milledgeville)
Eight hospitals in rural Georgia have closed in the last 16 months, and several others are facing major financial problems and threaten closure if the state does not come to their aid.
When a rural hospital closes, it forces those citizens to seek medical attention elsewhere, and, in some cases, travel more than 100 miles to receive medical or emergency care. These closures also inhibit the number of new medical practitioners who will practice in rural areas and those already practicing there are far less inclined to stay.
In some cases, the largest economic engine for that county is closed, causing the loss of hundreds of jobs. Large scale losses like these rural healthcare closures often have long-term economic impacts, hindering new industry and existing growth in the area.
What is the answer? Simply put, the answer is money. But where will non-taxpayer money come from? I have spoken with Governor Deal about this looming crisis facing our state, but where can the much needed influx of money come from to save Georgia’s rural hospitals?
The answer is: casino gaming revenue.
Currently, the Georgia House of Representatives and State Senate are debating casino gaming for Georgia with the proceeds going to additionally fund the HOPE Scholarship, which is currently funded by the lottery. I contend that the HOPE Scholarship is doing well; therefore, let’s address all of Georgia’s major problems, including healthcare in Georgia and the closure of rural hospitals.
If Georgia approves casino gaming, which I personally hope that we do, let’s put this new revenue towards improving healthcare for all Georgians. For example, Medicaid expansion would be possible, and for the first time we could develop an indigent care reimbursement fund with new grant monies to assist in keeping our hospitals open.
Hopefully this use of casino funding would improve the chances of casino gaming passing the General Assembly. The benefit of using the funds to keep hospitals from closing affects all Georgians – farmers, bankers, young, old, rich, poor, jobless or not, all Georgians must have access to proper medical care.
I urge you all to support casino gaming and to direct these funds to healthcare for all Georgians.
Representative Rusty Kidd represents the citizens of District 145, which includes Baldwin County and portions of Putnam County. He was elected into the House of Representatives in 2008, and currently serves on the Governmental Affairs, Health & Human Services, Science & Technology, and State Properties committees.
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