Assemblyman John Allen (D-32) plans to introduce the lower chamber version of a bill to allocate $25 million to the ailing Heights University Hospital following Hudson County’s three state senators committing to do so.
By John Heinis/Hudson County View
“It is abundantly clear that the Heights University Medical Center is a critical and vital resource for so many of my constituents in Jersey City, and communities nearby. The hospital’s closure would be catastrophic, and however we got here, we cannot allow it to fail,” Allen said in a statement.
“The hospital’s track record of success in Secaucus gives me hope that they can turn around the previous neglect of the system, and revitalize the care to the level that residents can reliably depend on. I am proud to introduce this companion legislation in the Assembly, appreciate the leadership of Senators [Brian] Stack, [Raj] Mukherji, and [Angela] McKnight, and am hopeful that it will promptly advance and be signed into law.”
Allen’s counterpart in the state Senate, Mukherji, said in an Instagram Reel earlier this week that he and Stack would introduce a bill to support Heights University Hospital with $25 million in state funds, as HCV first reported.
Mukherji referred to the allocation as “a recoverable grant” that would have to include labor neutrality provisions, maintaining the state monitor, and ensuring the hospital remains open regardless what sort of future development takes place.
While he initially only mentioned Stack as a co-sponsor, McKnight has since joined the effort.
“We deeply appreciate the continued support of Assemblyman Allen, Senator Stack, Senator Mukherji, Senator McKnight, and our legislative partners as we work to preserve vital healthcare access in Jersey City,” added HRH CEO Dr. Nizar Kifaieh.
“We know they share our commitment to save and stabilize the hospital, protect the jobs of our dedicated staff, and ensure patients continue to have access to the care they need.”
An official from the state Department of Health warned Hudson Regional Health that they can’t close Heights University Hospital overnight in a letter issued the same day they announced they would be cutting non-essential services in the next month, as only HCV reported.
Jersey Ward E Councilman James Solomon and Hoboken 3rd Ward Councilman Mike Russo, who are running for mayor in their respective cities, demanded answers about the financial woes of the hospital on Saturday.
Then on Sunday, Hudson County Commissioner Bill O’Dea (D-2), another Jersey City mayoral candidate, called for “a task force of all levels of government” to be formed to ensure the former Christ Hospital remains open.
Shortly after HRH announced the expected service cuts, Health Professionals and Allied Employees (HPAE) President Debbie White said that they assured the bankruptcy court that they had the means to take over the CarePoint facilities and are now threatening layoffs.
McKnight had also weighed in, stating that many city residents cannot afford to have the facility close.
this is a corrupt deal and given all the players invovled no one should support it or take it seriously
HRH gave substantial campaign funds to all the poeple invovled: raj, allen, bhalla, fulop and now they r looking for a cash infusion by claiming they will close the hospital. they first tried this in hoboken but figured out it was just easier to do business in JC. not to mention that that fulops wife just “partnered” with hrh. this is literally a corrupt bargain in a big circle jerk of people just moving public funds around to personally support each other.