Public Affairs Documents Indigent Care Press Release

For Immediate Release:
May 26, 2016

Contact: Cory Skeates
[phone] Ext. 234

The Lakeland Area Chamber of Commerce Votes to Support the
Continuation of the Polk County HealthCare Plan Surtax
Lakeland, FL – The Lakeland Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors voted unanimously to
support the proposed twenty five (25) year continuation of the existing one-half cent indigent care surtax
as part of the Polk County Indigent HealthCare Plan at their meeting on May 25, 2016.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, chronic diseases, absenteeism, and
employees returning to work before receiving appropriate medical care cost U.S. employers billions of
dollars each year. The Polk County HealthCare Plan serves Polk County residents who are caught in the
gap between not qualifying for Medicaid, and not being able to afford market place insurance.
“In order for our business community to thrive, we need to work to ensure we have the healthiest
workforce possible,” said Mike McGee, Chairman of the Lakeland Area Chamber of Commerce Board of
Directors. “Therefore, it is in the best interest of our business community to continue support of the Polk
County HealthCare Plan as a means to improve the overall health and productivity of our community,
allowing us to attract and retain a high-performing workforce, while minimizing healthcare costs.”

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The Lakeland Area Chamber of Commerce represents 1,400 member businesses in the Greater Lakeland area and
provides opportunities for networking, professional development and advocacy for companies of all sizes. Five-Star
Accredited by the US Chamber of Commerce, the Chamber upholds the following vision and mission statements:
Vision Statement
The Lakeland Area Chamber of Commerce will be the premier catalyst for the advancement of Lakeland’s economic
growth and enhancement of quality of life – creating Florida’s community of choice.
Mission Statement
The Lakeland Area Chamber of Commerce is the leading organization dedicated to creating a climate where
business can prosper.