Rita Statement on Signing of Bill Supporting Re-Opening of Hospitals

BLUE ISLAND, Ill. – State Rep. Robert “Bob” Rita, D-Blue Island, released the following statement in response to Gov. J.B. Pritzker signing Senate Bill 1040, which Rita co-sponsored:

“As we have seen over the past year and a half, access to healthcare is crucial for the health and safety of residents. Before the start of the pandemic, a hospital in Blue Island, MetroSouth Medical Center, shut its doors to the public, leaving our community with less support throughout the pandemic.

“To bring back the vital resources that hospitals provide, I helped pass legislation that will provide financial stability to hospitals during their first few years after re-opening to ensure they have the support they need to continue to serve their community. Today, Gov. Pritzker signed this legislation into law, bringing us one step closer to reviving MetroSouth and other closed hospitals throughout our state. I would like to thank Gov. Pritzker for his support, and I look forward to continuing to work to ensure that all residents in our community have the access to healthcare that they deserve.”