State Comptroller Refuses To Pay For Flu Shots
By Sam Bakken in News on Jan 31, 2005 11:27PM
In a letter to Blago's office, state Comptroller Dan Hynes' office has refused to pay for $2.5 million worth of flu vaccine that Blago ordered from Europe in October. Blago ordered the vaccine due to fears of a national shortage. Without FDA approval, Blago ordered nearly 700,000 doses from a number of companies overseas and had commitments from New York City to buy 200,000 doses, Cleveland to buy 4,500 and New Mexico to buy 150,000 doses. So far this year's flu season has been mild and a number of people went without shots after restrictions imposed by the federal government. The shortage has actually turned into a surplus.
In December, New York City officials said they wouldn't pay for their share and asked Illinois to sell it. After some discussion with Illinois officials, Mayor Bloomberg's office agreed on Friday to pay.
However, Cleveland maintains that they do not need the doses from the deal and will not pay for them. New Mexico has not backed out of the deal.
The letter criticized Blago for submitting the contract three months after it was signed and moving forward on the deal without the FDA's approval. Hynes' chief of staff, Keith Taylor, wrote the letter and really scolded Blago at one point writing:
"As a matter of sound business or governmental practice, we find it hard to believe that the state would agree to such an obligation that is entirely dependent on the approval of the federal government, or any third party."
Ooooooooooo! Ouch!
Hynes spokesman Alan Henry told the Tribune that if the vaccine suppliers want their money, they'll have to sue the state. Now THAT is sound business and governmental practice. It seems a bit like answering a gas station clerk's "Hey, you didn't pay for that," with, "So sue me," after grabbing a Gatorade from the cooler, taking a sip while in line at the register and, your thirst having been quenched, walking out without paying.
Before making such dramatic statements, the state needs to look at their chances with that suit. They don't want to be stuck with legal fees on top of the $2.5 million bill.