Gov. Heineman Sends Letter to Nebraska Senators
on Health Care Reform Proposal

(Lincoln, Neb.) Gov. Dave Heineman today sent a letter to Nebraska’s U.S. Senators and other congressional representatives expressing his concern about the federal health care reform proposal released today by Sen. Max Baucus.

The text of the Governor’s letter follows.

“Dear Senator Nelson and Senator Johanns:

“I am writing to alert you that the analysis provided by staff to the members of the National Governors Association Health Care Reform Task Force indicates that the Chairman’s Mark released by Senator Baucus this morning contains a new unfunded Medicaid mandate. Earlier this year I wrote both of you expressing my concern that this might occur as a part of health care reform.

“I greatly appreciate the fact that both of you have repeatedly expressed concerns about the negative impact that health care reform could have on the federal deficit and the state budget. As former Governors you understand the impact that Medicaid has on state spending. This new unfunded federal Medicaid mandate could result in higher taxes on Nebraskans or in cutting state aid to Nebraska’s school districts as well as state appropriations to our universities, state colleges and community colleges. This proposal is not in Nebraska’s best interests.

“As we develop more specific information, I will be providing you with our best estimates of the magnitude of the impact on Nebraska. Thank you for your attention to this matter.”

Health Care Reform Letter (pdf format)