PG County Executive Slams Maryland Governor for Slashing Hospital Funding

UPPER MARLBORO, MD — Prince George's County Executive Rushern Baker slammed Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan late Wednesday after he released a state budget that would slash $22 million from the new Regional Medical Center to be built in Largo.

Baker said in a statement that the move would put funding for the new hospital at less than the amount required by Maryland law.

"Governor Hogan is clearly reneging on his commitment to the Regional Medical Center project, a hospital that will serve the residents of Prince George’s County and Southern Maryland," he said. "Chapter 13 of the 2016 Laws of Maryland mandated $30 million in State operating funds and $67.5 million in State capital funds in FY 2018. I am concerned that Governor Hogan continues to be hesitant to fully support bringing the University of Maryland Medical System-affiliated Regional Medical Center to fruition.”

The hospital, which would be situated at Largo Town Center, is slated for completion in 2020. It will replace the aging Prince George's Hospital Center in Cheverly, and authorities hope the new hospital will revitalize local businesses.

David Brinkley, Hogan's budget secretary, told the Associated Press that the cut wouldn't hold back the project, but merely stretched out the funding.

Image via Prince George's County