BP Markowitz, elected officials, union, community and faith-based leaders present petitions to stop job cuts at SUNY Downstate Medical Center
Yesterday, in a major appeal to prevent additional job cuts at SUNY Downstate Medical Center, Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz presented a petition signed by more than 10,000 Brooklyn residents that urges the governor to stop further job cuts and keep Downstate operating as a full-service hospital. BP Markowitz was joined by a group of state lawmakers from the Brooklyn delegation along with a host of union, community and faith-based leaders meeting at Brooklyn Borough Hall.
"I understand SUNY Downstate, New York City and America are in a tough fiscal climate, but eliminating jobs and services is unacceptable," said Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz. "Brooklynites have been hit hard enough by this economy, so we need to be creating jobs--not cutting them. And the economic ripple effects extend far beyond the hospital to the many businesses that provide services both in and out of SUNY Downstate. In addition, Brooklynites and laid off employees will be hit with the loss of medical care. Every Brooklynite deserves the best health care that we as a society can provide. So for the sake of Brooklyn's patient and economic health, let's send a message loud and clear: no more layoffs and no more disruptions to medical care!"
Joining BP Markowitz in a call to the governor and state legislative leaders to come to the rescue of Downstate were state AFL-CIO President Mario Cilento; United University Professions President Phillip H. Smith, a union representing more than 3,200 Downstate employees; and Public Employees Federation Vice President Wayne Spence, which represents 650 Downstate workers. BP Markowitz was also joined by State Senators Daniel Squadron and Eric Adams; State Assemblymembers James Brennan, Nick Perry, Rhoda Jacobs, Letitia James, Karim Camara and Assemblyman-elect Walter Mosley; and Lorraine Braithwaite-Harte, Health Committee Chairperson of the NAACP Brooklyn Branch.
Downstate, Brooklyn's fourth largest employer, has already handed out non-renewal notices to more than 400 employees. Downstate's Long Island College Hospital has trimmed its workforce by 150. Hundreds more jobs could be cut if Downstate continues with its cost-cutting restructuring plan.
Downstate serves the health care needs of 400,000 patients annually, many of whom require specialized treatment only offered at Downstate. Downstate is also a teaching hospital with more than 1,700 students. One out every three doctors in Brooklyn graduated from Downstate.
Downstate is a significant contributor to the Brooklyn economy. The borough's already fragile economy would be devastated by further job cuts, leading to a rise in unemployment and foreclosure rates and the closure of a number of small businesses, particularly in Central Brooklyn.
* * *
Photo credit: Kathryn Kirk