RE:  S-2239 / A-3202 as amended to 29 members
        Establishing NJ Health Care Reform Implementation Council
        (to implement Obamacare in New Jersey)

Dear Senator:

   I am writing to urge you to OPPOSE S-2239 / A-3202, which I understand will be added to the docket for a vote on Monday.

   This bill establishes the public body to implement Obamacare in New Jersey.  Please vote AGAINST it.

   I oppose implementation of the underlying federal law, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, as amended.  With that law under attack by 20 states, and a likely challenge to the U.S. Supreme Court, it is unwise and inappropriate for New Jersey to begin spending money to implement it now.

   Further, the costs this federal legislation will impose on New Jersey, especially in Medicaid expense, are beyond what we can afford, even if they are subsidized by the federal government the first year.  This is too loosely written, distributes authority that ought to be held only by officials directly elected by the People, and will only drive New Jersey into further debt.

   I object as well to the provisions of this bill which allow public employee unions, such as SEIU and the AFL-CIO, to name the persons to be appointed to this Council by the Governor.  I ask that you oppose this legislation.