Dear Molly,
Everyone in Pittsburgh knows UPMC is rich, but until last week,
most didn’t know just how rich.
UPMC’s real estate portfolio got close examination in a series
of stories in the Post-Gazette that showed UPMC now owns an
estimated $2.5 billion in Allegheny County property. And because of
UPMC’s charitable, “not for profit” status, it avoids paying taxes
on 86% of this property taking $42 million in revenue away from our
schools, cities and the County.
It’s time we had a real discussion about making UPMC
live up to its non-profit, public charity status. Join
us in asking Allegheny County Council to hold a public
hearing.
The series also highlighted ways in which the health system is
completely unaccountable, using our healthcare dollars and tax
breaks to act like a for-profit corporation. Examples abound of
UPMC's willingness to pay just about any price for a desired piece
of land, to distort real estate markets, and to cloak its intentions
behind third party operators. One article even suggests that its new
hospital in Monroeville serves more as a “giant billboard” than a
real healthcare facility for members of the community.
At a time we’re taking teachers out of classrooms and
cutting transit service to the bone, can we really afford to
subsidize UPMC’s land buying binges?
UPMC’s questionable behavior isn’t just limited to its real
estate transactions. Despite making $351 million in operating
profits last year and holding $4 billion in reserves , many UPMC
employees live in poverty and earn less than a family-sustaining
wage.
It’s time for our largest landowner and “charity” to
start acting with OUR interests in mind. We need Allegheny
County Council to investigate UPMC’s actions. Sign
this petition calling for a public hearing.
With your help we can Make It Our UPMC.
Sincerely,
Rev. David Thornton
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