"Slice healthcare costs, Cahill says; Treasurer calls 2006 law too pricey" by Matt Viser, Globe Staff | June 24, 2009
.... Healthcare accounts for about a third of the state budget, although it is difficult to determine precisely how much is attributed to the state’s overhaul.
A report last month by the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation, a business-funded group that advocated for the healthcare law, found that state spending on the healthcare overhaul has increased by about $88 million annually since it was implemented....
Related: Why the Nation Doesn't Need Massachusetts Health Care
Massachusetts Health Care Takes a Seat on the S***ter
NOW you KNOW WHY, America! WE have been GETTING RIPPED OFF!!!!!
You want this as a NATIONAL MODEL, do you?
State Treasurer Timothy P. Cahill has come out strongly against the $1 billion in tax increases approved by the Legislature, proposing instead deep cuts in the state’s landmark effort at universal healthcare, calling it a luxury taxpayers can no longer afford.
While Cahill has no official role in approving the tax hikes or overseeing the state’s healthcare initiative, he has indicated he may challenge Governor Deval Patrick next year, and his comments could alter the tone of the Beacon Hill budget debate. In an interview with the Globe, Cahill sharply criticized lawmakers and Patrick for not looking hard enough at cutting what Cahill said were sacred cows in government, including healthcare and education, in an apparent attempt to position himself as the most fiscally responsible Democrat in the State House.
Need money? Here: Public Loot For Private Projects
“Everyone wanted it to pass, to get it on their resume,’’ Cahill said of the state’s 2006 healthcare law. “Nobody asked the tough questions. It was expensive, even in good times. In tough times . . . it just doesn’t seem doable.’’
Cahill also said lawmakers were wrong to turn to additional taxes on merchandise, meals, alcohol, satellite television, and hotels, which he said will only prolong the recession.
“It definitely raises the specter of ‘Taxachusetts’ all over again, which we spent a long time trying to get out from under,’’ he said. “It’s more than being nickel-and-dimed. It has a bigger impact because of the conditions that we’re in.’’
He's right there! This is a MASS (pun intended) LOOTING!
Cahill’s criticism of the state’s healthcare initiative stands out amid widespread praise for the effort from within the state and beyond. With nearly 98 percent of Massachusetts residents now covered by insurance, the healthcare plan is seen by many as a model that could be replicated around the country.
At the same time, the healthcare initiative is expensive and getting more so, as more residents enroll, even though at some point, according to the law’s original intent, it is supposed to help pay for itself by shifting more people into managed care. The budget crisis forced state regulators yesterday to slow enrollment.
Single payer or bust! Related:
“We’re all still waiting for the savings,’’ Cahill said. “Universal healthcare was supposed to eventually save us money.’’
Wrong! But if you said that back when you were pilloried like today!
“It’s a warning for the federal government as it looks to do something similar,’’ he added. “I’m not saying we can’t afford any of it, but it certainly doesn’t appear that we can afford all of it.... If you’re going to bankrupt one group to help pay for another, at the end of the day we’re all poorer.’’
As long as you know who (rhymes with) gets there loot.
Seth Gitell, a spokesman for House Speaker Robert A. DeLeo, defended what he called the Legislature’s “responsible budget’’ in e-mail: “In the face of an unprecedented deficit, the Legislature has worked to shield our cities and towns and most needy residents from the pain of the current crisis.’’
Several lawmakers involved in crafting the healthcare legislation bristled at Cahill’s suggestion to cut back.
Senator Richard T. Moore, a Democrat from Uxbridge and Senate chairman of the Joint Committee on Health Care Financing:
“To retreat at this point would certainly be premature. He should stay being treasurer and keep saving money for us. We’ll figure out how to make healthcare work.’’
Yeah, sure you guys will.
Related: Cahill the Corrupt
I guess he won't be getting Moore's vote for governor.
*********************
Cahill’s comments add to the political pressure on Patrick as he weighs whether to sign or veto provisions of the Legislature’s proposed $27.4 billion budget for the next fiscal year. He has vowed to veto a measure to increase the state sales tax from 5 percent to 6.25 percent unless the Legislature first agrees to major overhauls of the state’s ethics, pension, and transportation laws.
Taxes and budget went through. Just some s*** political fooleys for you.
That's why you need the health care; tough to digest.
Patrick is stuck between top lawmakers who would be furious with him if he vetoes the sales tax increases, and political opponents - including, perhaps, Cahill and Republican challengers - who could hammer him on the campaign trial if he approves it....
What about OUR HEALTH? Isn't that SUPPOSED to be the most important thing?
Patrick invited hundreds of political supporters to a closed-door meeting with him at a Somerville social club last night....
Private social club? Sounds exclusionary to me.
You know what I'm thinking, right?
