More than 100 protesters gathered outside a county building in downtown Pittsburgh yesterday, demanding that tax-exempt University of Pittsburgh Medical Center put more money toward city services and employee pay, according to a Pittsburgh Tribune-Review report.
The protesters provided county officials with literature titled "Code of Conduct for a Strong, Healthy Pittsburgh" that listed their demands for non-profit UPMC. Demands included contributing more funds to the city for services, offering public employees better compensation and providing affordable healthcare for Pittsburgh residents, according to the report.
Susan Manko, UPMC spokesperson, said the system provided $250 million in charity care last year and pays real estate taxes for 49 percent of its properties, according to the report.
This past fall, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette questioned whether UPMC's $42 million property tax break was legitimate, and the report prompted action from some local officials.
In December, Allegheny County leaders determined UPMC would be the first organization in the county to undergo an analysis of its tax-exempt property. Pittsburgh Mayor Luke Ravenstahl is also organizing a new task force that will examine contributions from the city's non-profits.
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The protesters provided county officials with literature titled "Code of Conduct for a Strong, Healthy Pittsburgh" that listed their demands for non-profit UPMC. Demands included contributing more funds to the city for services, offering public employees better compensation and providing affordable healthcare for Pittsburgh residents, according to the report.
Susan Manko, UPMC spokesperson, said the system provided $250 million in charity care last year and pays real estate taxes for 49 percent of its properties, according to the report.
This past fall, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette questioned whether UPMC's $42 million property tax break was legitimate, and the report prompted action from some local officials.
In December, Allegheny County leaders determined UPMC would be the first organization in the county to undergo an analysis of its tax-exempt property. Pittsburgh Mayor Luke Ravenstahl is also organizing a new task force that will examine contributions from the city's non-profits.
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UPMC's Tax-Exempt Status to Be Reviewed