Dallas Area Interfaith Statement to

Dallas County Commissioners (chose not to attend) &

Parkland Board of Managers

June 29, 2004, 2:00 p.m.

Dallas Area Interfaith is a broad-based, multi-ethnic, multi-racial coalition of 60 religious and educational institutions, spanning the Dallas metroplex from Grand Prairie to Mesquite and from Frisco to DeSoto.  We work for and take action on issues that affect the common good of our community.

For the last year, DAI has been listening to as many voices as possible, working to understand the needs of the community in terms of healthcare. We are here today because we are concerned about Parkland’s budget. We just want an open, honest discussion on the budget, and a budget where the services are not being cut. As you work on the budget numbers, we ask you to consider: the impact that Parkland has on the economic future of this region, county and city; the people and community that Parkland serves; Parkland is a public, not for profit hospital; the changing demographics of the North Texas region and the central role that Parkland plays for the quality health care of that growing population.

We want you to seriously consider the numbers; however, we do not want you to get lost in them. We want you to understand the implications behind the budget options, the implications to the community that Parkland serves.

First of all, if we are to accept a budget that works with only the status quo (allowing money for repairs, and salary increases, but no possibility to respond to the inevitable growth), then Parkland will continue to be stretched beyond its capacity.

Secondly, if we are to accept a budget that requires a 2 - 3¢ tax increase, this will cover an increase in volume, but still will leave Parkland without adequate cash reserves.

Finally, adequately funding Parkland hospital will require a percentage tax increase such that not only will it have enough money to operate considering the demand, but also will have an improved cash flow. As we understand it, reserves now only cover a 30-35 day period. 3-4 months of reserves are standard for a hospital this size.

We support the following:

1. A Parkland budget that is adequate to restore confidence in quality service for inpatients and outpatients, and which restores staffing and/or overtime in Community Oriented Primary Care clinics.

2. An increase in the Dallas County Hospital District tax rate for 2004 to cover restoration of certain services and to meet Parkland’s budget shortfall.

3. Taking action to ensure that surrounding counties pay their fair share for their residents who receive care at Parkland.

4. Taking action to secure federal funds available for the healthcare of Medicaid recipients, children, and immigrants, which have been blocked in Austin.

5. Asking the State of Texas to restore the funding for healthcare, to better enable our County Commissioners to promote and protect the viability of our county.

We know that the funding problem began at the state level. As part of a state organization, Dallas Area Interfaith is committed to addressing the funding issue at the state level. However, the healthcare funding problem is here with us now. If we are not to neglect the people in our community that must rely on Parkland Hospital for their healthcare, we need a tax increase. We not only encourage, but support a tax increase to provide for the immediate healthcare needs of the community.

We ask you, the Parkland Board of Managers, to be courageous, bold and daring! Do not be afraid to ask for a tax increase.

Thank You.