Wisniewski blasts Christie on health care "hypocrisy"

by: Rosi Efthim

Fri May 28, 2010 at 03:19:42 AM EDT

After the show, NJDSC Chair John Wisniewski issued this statement:

Last week Chris Christie, bowing to pressure from Democrats, announced he was reversing course on huge cost increases for seniors in New Jersey's PAAD program.  In passing he mentioned more money was available because of Health Care Reform passed by congressional Democrats and President Obama. On April 29th the Christie administration informed federal officials that New Jersey wanted to take part in a program of the Health Care Reform package that would distribute $141 million to the state for a high risk insurance pool.

Yet tonight on 'Christie on the Line' Governor Christie continued trying to appease the Tea Party and right wing of his party by saying he's still considering having the state join a lawsuit to overturn Health Care Reform and the enormous benefits it will bring to New Jersey families.

Since the Governor still isn't convinced that health care reform shouldn't be overturned, is he going to turn down the $141 million coming to the state for the high risk insurance pool and the roughly $45 million that he is using to restore his original cuts to PAAD?

It's time for Governor Christie to stop the hypocrisy and do what's best for New Jersey, not what's best for his national conservative reputation.

Steve from Chatham: Governor is there any chance New Jersey might join the other 20 or so states suing the federal government regarding health care?

Governor Christie: Yes there is a chance.  I have the Attorney General and the Health Commissioner studying it and they'll advise me at the appropriate time.