Assembly To Provide $1.25m To
Richmond University Medical Center

Support championed by Silver, Cusick, Hyer-Spencer and Titone
will help hospital avoid bankruptcy, foreclosure or takeover

Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver and Staten Island Assemblymembers Michael Cusick, Janele Hyer-Spencer and Matthew Titone, today announced a three-way agreement to give $5 million in state assistance to Richmond University Medical Center (RUMC). This critical funding is shared between the Governor, Senate and Assembly to provide assistance to this struggling non-public funded hospital.

The joint legislative agreement will provide approximately $2.5 million from the Governor, $1.25 million from the Senate, and $1.25 million from the Assembly. This is a one-time deal to provide funds to the ailing hospital for operating costs including supplies, payroll and minor capital equipment. RUMC is one of two hospitals on Staten Island and neither is supported from public funds.

"This agreement will ensure access to quality healthcare for the people of Staten Island," said Silver. "The Assembly Majority is pleased to partner with the Governor and the Senate to ensure this hospital stays up and running. As one of the two hospitals on the Island, it not only provides a public healthcare service to this area, but also employs many of the people in these communities."

"This is something we have been working on for a long time. Securing this funding for Richmond University Medical Center will go far in providing this community with the quality health care it needs and deserves," said Assemblyman Cusick (D-Staten Island).

"This much needed infusion of money will ensure that RUMC can continue to provide the quality health care our families need. Assemblyman Cusick played a key role in securing this funding and should be commended for his leadership," said Assemblywoman Hyer-Spencer (D-Staten Island).

"Richmond University Medical Center will be able to meet its financial challenges and most importantly, continue to provide the kind of quality care our community deserves," said Assemblyman Titone (D-Staten Island). "Working in a collaborative effort to secure this funding, led by the efforts of Assemblyman Mike Cusick, is a victory not only for the North Shore but for all of Staten Island."