Brownsville Freshman Assembly Member Latrice Walker came through like a crafty veteran lawmaker in this recently passed state budget, after it included a bill for $700 million in capital funding that will be allocated to replace the inefficient and outdated Brookdale University Hospital and Medical Center in Brownsville.
“This was definitely a fight to keep the dollars in the budget and you shouldn’t have to jump through hoops to receive adequate health care. I am overwhelmed with joy that we were able to agree that there is a definite need for health care facility transformation in Brooklyn,” said Walker.
Walker said the provision clearly establishes a need for a new health care facility that will strengthen and protect access to health care and provide services to communities with significant levels of health care disparities and health care needs when compared with other communities within Brooklyn.
The program will look for communities such as Brownsville and East New York, where some families are uninsured, have high rates of diabetes, high blood pressure, dealing with substance abuse, have higher infant mortality rates, high unemployment, poor nutritional statuses, and distressed housing conditions, she said.
Walker noted the budget bill also requires community engagement. In far too many instances, communities in distress are not included in the development process, but under this bill the community will have a voice in decision making and be a part of fruitful discussions and open communication, she said.
“Your voices are being heard loud and clear here in Albany. And with the requirement of quarterly reports, we as a legislative body will be more informed throughout the process and our government will be fiscally responsible and transparent to the great people of New York State,” said Walker.
