Devasting UTMB job cuts

A statement from Chris Bell, candidate for Texas Senate District 17, on the announcement that 3,800 employees at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston (UTMB) will lose their jobs:

"The loss of 3,800 jobs at UTMB - nearly one third of the institution's workforce - is a devastating blow to the Galveston economy, which is already suffering from the crippling effects of Hurricane Ike. Far too many Texas families are still trying to piece their lives and their homes back together, and these job losses place are a huge roadblock to recovery.

UTMB is also vital to the physical well-being of Galveston County residents, as well as those from a number of surrounding counties. The hospital is the primary source of health care for thousands of people, and the only source for many Texans. In a state with the highest rate of uninsured in the country, further limiting access to quality healthcare is detrimental to the growing number of Texans without health insurance

In the Texas Senate, I will staunchly oppose any efforts to relocate UTMB from Galveston, and I will fight for state funding to assist this vital institution with its recovery in the wake of Hurricane Ike."


FOR RELEASE: Nov. 14, 2008

CONTACT: Amber Moon 713-667-8990 or 713-410-3671