Governor Kay Ivey on Tuesday participated in an Amendment 666 Bond Commission meeting and joined members in authorizing the future issuance of bonds to support Jackson Hospital in Montgomery.
“For Alabama to be the best state in which to live, work and raise a family, it is imperative we support creating opportunities—from the classroom to the workforce—for every citizen across the state,” Ivey said. “No doubt, we have a strong record when it comes to economic development, but for that to continue, we must also press forward in finding solutions to our health care challenges.
“Right now in Montgomery, our health care system faces its own unique struggles with the current situation at Jackson Hospital. Losing a hospital in one of our large metropolitan areas would be devastating not just for the Montgomery community, but for the many residents in the surrounding counties it serves. For safety and security in our Capital City, it is important we maintain Jackson Hospital as a close-by option for state government, elected leaders in the executive, legislative and judicial branches, as well as the many visitors, from our fourth graders to our tourists. And even more than that, it serves so many other Alabamians nearby, in both urban and rural areas.
“For a year now, I have been engaged on the issues facing Jackson Hospital due to their previous mismanagement. There is new hospital leadership in place now, which I have confidence in, and I challenged local elected leaders to come forward with their own funding commitments. I am grateful to both the City Council and County Commission for answering that call. I am also proud to commit $40 million from the state for capital expenses at Jackson Hospital. These future funds would only be issued once Jackson Hospital emerges out of bankruptcy.
“A strong capital city is necessary for a strong state, and the health care system here in Montgomery is certainly a critical component to that. I remain hopeful Jackson Hospital puts itself on a stronger path and is sustainable through its next 80 years and beyond.”
In addition to supporting Jackson Hospital, the commission voted to fund other economic development incentives, including the relocation and operations of Space Command in the Huntsville-Madison County area.
