Preckwinkle Applauds State's Hospital Tax Ruling

Cook County President Toni Preckwinkle on Tuesday applauded the state's decision to deny tax exemptions to three hospitals, including one in Chicago.

Northwestern Memorial's Prentice Women's Hospital in Chicago's Gold Coast neighborhood, Edward Hospital in Naperville and Decatur Memorial Hospital in Decatur were informed of the decisions Tuesday morning, Illinois Department of Revenue officials said.

"Many institutions in Cook County" provide "a paltry amount" of charity care, said Preckwinkle of the decision involving Prentice.

In a statement, Northwestern officials said they disagreed with the Revenue Department's decision and will review all its options.

"We are proud of our nationally recognized community service programs as well as our position as one of the top providers of free and discounted care and community benefit in the state of Illinois," the statement said.

The hospitals have 60 days to ask an administrative law judge to review the decisions.

The Associated Press' Carla Johnson fully explains what went into the state's decision.