33 Nebraska state senators urge delay of vote on $800 million Nebraska Medicine acquisition
LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — Thirty-two Nebraska state senators have joined Sen. Brad von Gillern’s letter urging the Nebraska Board of Regents to delay a vote on the $800 million acquisition of Nebraska Medicine by the University of Nebraska.
The letter, sent on Thursday, called for greater transparency and public involvement in the decision-making process.
Along with the letter, von Gilern released a statement regarding the vote:
“Serving in elected office, whether on the Board of Regents or in the Unicameral, means serving the citizens of Nebraska. To properly do so, this vote should be delayed until the public has a chance to learn more and provide input. Rushing a vote of this magnitude could erode public trust in these two fine institutions and the Board of Regents.”
According to the letter, the regents’ agenda item summary for Friday indicates that the board has “negotiated the final agreement over a series of meetings in the past 18 months.”
But von Gilern said the public and the legislature have had very limited “visibility” to understand the proposal, its impact and any financial implications of such a transaction.
The regents are set to consider a proposal under which Clarkson Regional Health Services would relinquish 50% of its membership in Nebraska Medicine.
The deal would give the university complete control of the Nebraska health system.
“The University of Nebraska and Nebraska Medicine are two institutions of tremendous significance to our state, and any major changes to the existing structures must be carefully considered,” von Gilern said. “We would urge you to postpone action on the $800 million proposed transaction to ensure all viable alternatives have been considered and until all stakeholders understand the impact of the proposal for the state and these two great institutions.”
The regents’ meeting, previously scheduled for Friday, is now set for Jan. 15 at 9 a.m. in Varner Hall.
The full letter from von Gilern can be found below:
