Foundation President Denounces Pooling Bill Veto
Friday, June 13, 2008
By: Juan A. Figueroa

I am disappointed to learn that Governor Rell today vetoed a proposal to reduce health care costs and make access to quality health care coverage available for more small businesses and nonprofits.

I am disappointed to learn that Governor Rell today vetoed a proposal to reduce health care costs and make access to quality health care coverage available for more small businesses and nonprofits. 

That said, my disappointment is somewhat tempered by the governor’s support of the bill’s concept.  However, more encouraging are the strides being made by the groups coming together in the debate for quality affordable health care for everyone in Connecticut.

 As the president of a foundation committed to achieving universal health care, I work closely with representatives of small business, health care, consumer and labor groups. I also work with clergy and health providers.   Although the Connecticut Healthcare Partnership plan would not have achieved universal health care (for all residents), I and many others viewed it as a chance for our state to take a step in the right direction.

The plan presented an innovative opportunity to improve health care options for more residents.  I am sorry that the governor caved in under the pressure of the Connecticut Business and Insurance Association (CBIA). CBIA, a major health insurance broker in our state, waged a self-serving attack campaign against the plan.

The governor’s decision to give the benefit of the doubt to CBIA rather than to the concerns of a broad coalition of residents is regrettable. 

Her veto underscores the urgent need for universal health care in our state.  Now is the time to fix our state’s health care system.  That is why the statewide movement for quality affordable health care for everyone won’t be taking a summer vacation.