Illinois Hospital Association

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September 7, 2007

State Continues Challenge to Provena's Tax Exemption

The Illinois Department of Revenue and the Illinois Attorney General's Office filed notice on Sept. 7 that they are appealing a circuit court decision in Sangamon County to restore a charitable tax exemption and a religious tax exemption for real property of Provena Covenant Medical Center in Urbana.

In his ruling on August 8, Judge Patrick Londrigan found that "the uncontested evidence, applied to the applicable law and precedent as set forth in the Plaintiffs' briefs, and as found by the Administrative Law Judge [of the Department of Revenue], establishes by clear and convincing proof that Provena Covenant Medical Center and Provena Hospitals have satisfied the relevant factors used to determine qualification for charitable- and religious-exempt use of the real estate at issue in this proceeding."


Statement from IHA President Ken Robbins Regarding Appeal of Provena Case (9/7)

We are extremely disappointed by the state’s decision to appeal. The Department of Revenue’s administrative law judge was correct in determining that Provena Covenant Medical Center deserves and has earned tax-exempt status after hearing and reviewing considerable testimony and uncontested evidence. We also believe that the circuit court judge was correct in his ruling. We are disappointed that this case will be unnecessarily prolonged. Provena Covenant Medical Center is doing an outstanding job of focusing on its core mission to meet the health care needs of its community, but will continue to be harmed by the uncertainty regarding its tax-exempt status. We strongly believe the courts will ultimately vindicate Provena Covenant Medical Center.
 

 

Provena Health Statement on Property Tax Appeal (9/7)

Provena Covenant Medical Center is disappointed by the Illinois Department of Revenue and Attorney General decision to appeal the recent Sangamon County Circuit Court ruling which found that the uncontested evidence easily established the hospital’s qualification for tax exemption on both charitable and religious grounds. We remain firmly convinced that that judgment is the fair and legally correct one and will be upheld on review.

In fair hearings, Provena Covenant has now twice prevailed. We are disappointed that state authorities choose to continue to ignore the plain facts and governing law which more than amply supports our position.

Clearly the law is on our side in recognizing our charitable mission to care for all regardless of their ability to pay. As such Provena Covenant will continue to vigorously defend against this selective and improper denial of fair treatment.