Rep. John Rogers and others are concerned about funding for Cooper Green.BIRMINGHAM, AL (WBRC) -
One group is opposing any effort to divert funds from Cooper Green Mercy Hospital to help Jefferson County with it's financial crisis.
Tuesday Alabama lawmakers return for the legislative session. There are more than 10 bills to help the county fix its $40 million dollar shortfall. Lines again went out the door at the downtown Jefferson County Courthouse because of staff reductions. One solution calls for unearmarking part of the sales tax dollars going to the hospital for the poor. This worries those who depend on the facility.
"Every time there is a discussion of of unearmarking funds we as patients become concerned about what will happen to us?" Maralyn Mosley said.
Monday, two Jefferson County Lawmakers, two county commissioners and community activist came out against the idea.
"I don't support unearmarking at all. For us unearmarking is the indigent cafre fund. That is solely needed," George Bowman, Jefferson County Commissioner, said.
Bowman and Commissioner Sandra Little Brown urged the delegation to pass a new occupational tax for fill the funding problem. But, Rep. John Rogers wants to be assured there will be no sewer rate increase as a par to any solution to the county's bankruptcy solution.
"You got to be fair and equal. You can not punish one segment of the population. The poor people. We refused to do that," Rogers said.
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