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Roseland Community Medical District Will Generate High-Tech Jobs ROSELAND—(ENEWSPF)–August 5, 2011. Governor Pat Quinn today signed legislation that will help the far south side of Chicago attract high-tech and medical research investments by creating the Roseland Community Medical District. Sponsored by Rep. Bob Rita (D-Blue Island) and Sen. Emil Jones III (D-Chicago), House Bill 1888 establishes the Roseland Community Medical District (RCMD). It also creates a commission that will generate a comprehensive economic development plan with the goal of attracting academic institutions, medical research facilities and high-tech businesses to the area. “We need to use everything in our toolbox to grow our economy and create jobs,” Governor Quinn said. “Keys to our future prosperity are in the high-tech and medical fields, where revolutionary advancements are made every day. This legislation will help ensure that more of those breakthroughs are made in Illinois.” The RCMD is modeled after the three existing medical districts in Central Chicago, Springfield and East St. Louis. The districts are legal entities that may solicit funds, enter into leases and other contracts, and perform other economic development and maintenance functions. They do not have the power to levy taxes. Once the RCMD commission’s economic plan is approved, the commission will administer the district’s development. “The communities of the south side of Chicago and the South Suburbs are medically underserved, and this law will allow local health care advocates to take the lead in developing new medical research and treatment facilities for local families,” Rep. Rita said. “With this new medical district, we can strengthen the services that are currently provided by Roseland Community Hospital, as well as develop new facilities to improve the quality of care for our neighborhoods.” “The creation of this new medical district will revitalize the Roseland Community Hospital and the surrounding area,” Sen. Jones said. “The Roseland Community Medical District will improve the quality of medical services for patients and generate improved medical research by streamlining of the area’s healthcare facilities.” The Roseland Community Medical District Commission will consist of 12 members, with three each being appointed by the Governor, the mayor of the city of Chicago and the president of the Cook County board. The secretary of the Illinois Department of Human Services and directors of the Illinois Departments of Commerce and Economic Opportunity and Illinois Department of Public Health will serve as ex-officio members. The law goes into effect immediately. |
Source: Illinois.gov
