January 26, 2011 ... In response to Governor Deval Patrick's FY12 budget proposal, released today, Sen. Richard T. Moore, D-Uxbridge, the Senate Chairman of the Joint Committee on Health Care Financing, vowed to continue fighting for the preservation of local aid, and took exception with cuts to public health, particularly infection prevention. 

"Considering the grave budget gap, which is largely the result of diminished federal stimulus funds, the depth of the cuts proposed by the Governor today was not particularly surprising.  Nevertheless, it is my intention to seek the necessary funds in order to maintain our commitment to local aid, especially when it comes to the regional school transportation and special education circuit breaker accounts.  What is surprising in this budget proposal though is the 'penny-wise, pound foolish' cuts in public health prevention and other health accounts that save money and, most importantly, save lives.  If our goal is to cut health costs - and indeed it is – then we must continue the fight for infection prevention, patient protection, and the research needed to measure quality and safety in our health care system.  The cuts levied today to the Department of Public Health and to Adult Day Health programs are a serious error in judgment!"  

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