Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel has proposed cutting free water and sewer services for non-profit organizations, including some of Chicago's largest non-profit hospitals, as part of his plan to fill the city's nearly $635 million deficit, according to a Chicago Business report.
Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Rush University Medical Center and University of Chicago Medical Center are just a few of the non-profit facilities that have had free or reduced water and sewer fees, but Mayor Emanuel's 2012 budget proposal may take those liberties away, according to the report. Mayor Emanuel's budget proposal includes a broad list of other sweeping cuts, tax increases and increased fees.
According to the report, Northwestern Memorial saved more than $260,000 in 2009, though hospital officials dispute those findings. Rush University Medical Center also saved $212,000. Rush officials declined to comment on the matter.
Mayor Emanuel's recommendation adds to a growing number of challenges facing non-profit hospitals in Illinois. The Illinois Department of Revenue stripped three Illinois hospitals' tax exempt status, arguing the hospitals did not provide enough charity care to the community. Fifteen other hospitals were due for state investigation, but Gov. Pat Quinn granted the Illinois Hospital Association's request to halt the inquiries until a legislative compromise is made.
Illinois Investigating 15 Other Systems' Charity Care; Hospitals Rev Up Lobbying
Illinois Department of Revenue Denies Tax-Exempt Status to 3 Illinois Hospitals
Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Rush University Medical Center and University of Chicago Medical Center are just a few of the non-profit facilities that have had free or reduced water and sewer fees, but Mayor Emanuel's 2012 budget proposal may take those liberties away, according to the report. Mayor Emanuel's budget proposal includes a broad list of other sweeping cuts, tax increases and increased fees.
According to the report, Northwestern Memorial saved more than $260,000 in 2009, though hospital officials dispute those findings. Rush University Medical Center also saved $212,000. Rush officials declined to comment on the matter.
Mayor Emanuel's recommendation adds to a growing number of challenges facing non-profit hospitals in Illinois. The Illinois Department of Revenue stripped three Illinois hospitals' tax exempt status, arguing the hospitals did not provide enough charity care to the community. Fifteen other hospitals were due for state investigation, but Gov. Pat Quinn granted the Illinois Hospital Association's request to halt the inquiries until a legislative compromise is made.
Related Articles on Illinois Non-Profit Hospitals:
Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn Holds State Decisions on Hospital Tax-ExemptionsIllinois Investigating 15 Other Systems' Charity Care; Hospitals Rev Up Lobbying
Illinois Department of Revenue Denies Tax-Exempt Status to 3 Illinois Hospitals