Sen. Squadron Condemns State Budget Health Bill's Leniency Toward SUNY

The New York State budget was passed early Wednesday morning, and its health bill may be another nail in Long Island College Hospital's coffin. The Cobble Hill facility was a major point of contention between supporters and opponents of the bill.

The Senate debated LICH and SUNY Downstate in the context of the budget's health bill Tuesday night for more than an hour, with Sen. Daniel Squadron condemning the bill's lack of legislative oversight or community input should the closure of LICH be approved by the State Department of Health.

In a report released by the City Comptroller earlier this year, LICH's real estate assets were estimated at between $400 million and $500 million. Media outlets have already reported realtors salivating over the prospect of such a sale.

"Imagine if $500 million in state assets in your community were going to be sold to the highest bidder with no regard for the community and no voice for your representatives," said Senator Squadron.

Senator Kenneth P. Lavalle of Long Island, the GOP sponsor of the bill, stated that "by law we designate [SUNY] individuals to make those decisions."

Despite Senator Squadron's testimony strongly urging a no vote, the Senate passed the bill and the Assembly will take it up on Thursday.

A video of the debate between Squadron and Lavalle can be viewed above.