Montgomery mayor releases reason for veto on Jackson Hospital assistance agreement

Montgomery Mayor Steven Reed has released a statement on his reasons for vetoing a resolution by the city council to enter into an agreement to help the struggling Jackson Hospital and Clinic. 

The resolution, passed by the council on Oct. 6, did not commit to a request from the hospital for $10 million but was rather a statement that it would help if state and county resources were also involved. 

According to WSFA, Reed explained that while he supported helping the hospital he believed that the resolution should be amended to say that the county should spearhead funding, citing state law. 

In his statement Reed pointed to Code of Alabama (§ 22-21-212, § 22-21-293, and § 45-37-243.11) saying that the county government is primarily responsible for hospital and indigent care. 

Reed added that he has been in talks with Gov. Kay Ivey's office but that no commitment from the state has been made yet. He reiterated that the city is not withdrawing support.