You’re reading the web edition of D.C. Diagnosis, STAT’s twice-weekly newsletter about the politics and policy of health and medicine. Sign up here to receive it in your inbox on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Power, politics, and care for the poor in Texas
Local officials in Austin, Texas promised twelve years ago that if voters approved millions of dollars in new property taxes, it would be a win-win. The city would get a brand-new medical school and teaching hospital, and low-income people would get more health care services.
It was a novel strategy to circumvent the state legislature and funnel hundreds of millions of dollars through a local agency called a hospital district. Sort of like a school district, it’s charged with spending local tax dollars, and has a legal responsibility to provide health care services for the poor.
About the Author Reprints
To submit a correction request, please visit our Contact Us page.
STAT encourages you to share your voice. We welcome your commentary, criticism, and expertise on our subscriber-only platform, STAT+ Connect