Nettleton – Following the news that KPC Promise Hospital in Vicksburg is closed, Commissioner Presley issued the following statement: 

“KPC Promise’s closure is the latest result of Tate Reeves’ healthcare crisis that continues to hurt people and kill healthcare jobs. Tate Reeves doesn’t care if a hospital in your community closes next because he’ll always have the healthcare he needs. The sad thing is that while Tate Reeves fiddles, more hospitals may close soon.

“My mama put off seeing the doctor because she knew she couldn’t afford it - I know what that’s like, and Tate Reeves hasn’t got a clue. As governor, I’ll end this healthcare crisis once and for all and get our healthcare systems back on track, provide healthcare to 220,000 working Mississippians, and keep our hospitals open.” 

BACKGROUND:

• Tate Reeves has declined to comment on his cheap band-aid for hospitals. He has also admitted that it was in his “personal political interest” to oppose expanding Medicaid - despite the policy being a win for Mississippi families, patients, and doctors.

• Tate Reeves’ refusal to expand Medicaid has cost Mississippi hospitals $1.35 billion annually. Some of the hospitals around Mississippi struggling include:In March, Mississippi’s first rural emergency hospital, Alliance Healthcare System, announced they were ending inpatient care in order to try and keep their doors open.
  Greenwood Leflore Hospital has requested donations from the public on its website - and now the county is debating whether to raise property taxes in order to keep the hospital open. Staff is overwhelmed with patients dealing with severe health issues that could have been treated sooner with proper healthcare.
  St. Dominic’s Hospital in Jackson closed its entire behavioral health unit, laying off 157 workers, and now psychiatric beds are full at nearby hospitals.
  

Brandon Presley is a fighter who keeps his promises, stands up for the little guy, and isn't afraid to ruffle more than a few feathers to deliver results for hardworking Mississippi families. Brandon served as Mayor of Nettleton from 2001 to 2007, where he got the town moving again, then balanced the budget every year and cut taxes twice. As Public Service Commissioner, Brandon opened up meetings that had been closed to the public for decades, brought high-speed internet to some of the most remote and forgotten parts of Mississippi, put people back to work with the Hire Mississippi program, and saved taxpayers over 6 billion dollars.

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