Boehner Web Video: Speaking Out Against Unfunded Mandates That Will Hurt Ohio
Congressman John Boehner (R-West Chester) released the following web video today, where he continued to urge Gov. Ted Strickland (D-OH) to oppose proposals in the Democrats’ government takeover of health care that would impose a massive unfunded mandate of at least $920 million on Ohio.
Boehner says:
"Handing down unfunded mandates of this magnitude to our cash-strapped state will drain state funding for seniors, school children and force tax increases on all Ohioans. This is no way to reform our health care system.
Why isn’t Governor Strickland standing up and speaking out against unfunded mandates that will hurt Ohio school children, taxpayers and seniors?”
RECAP: Ohio members urge Gov. Strickland to stand up for Ohio; news report shows potential impact on Ohio
Ohio members of Congress to Gov. Strickland: oppose health care bill that would hurt our state. Yesterday, seven Ohio members of Congress joined Congressman Boehner in writing a letter to Gov. Strickland respectfully requesting that the governor clearly oppose unfunded mandates in current Democratic health care bills that would hurt Ohio. Here’s what some of the other Ohio members had to say:
“Ohio has a budget crisis, record unemployment and is having trouble keeping up with its existing Medicaid load … I think promises that the federal government will help financially are about as reliable as ‘the check’s in the mail.’” – Congressman Steve LaTourette (R-Bainbridge Township)
“Like Ohioans, I want to reform our healthcare system, but this is not the way to do it, and it’s time for Governor Strickland to take the lead and denounce this plan. If he sits by and says nothing or even supports this back-breaking plan, he’ll bury Ohioans in debt; and with an $850 million shortfall in the state budget, more debt is not what we need.” – Congressman Pat Tiberi (R-Genoa Township)
As Ohio faces continued job losses and an estimated $850 million state budget hole, Dispatch report shows as Democrats push their trillion-dollar bill, Ohio and other states could be left holding the bill. According to the Columbus Dispatch the Senate Finance Committee health care bill would add nearly 800,000 Ohioans to the state’s Medicaid program, by raising the current income ceiling of $22,050 to $29,300 for a family of four to be eligible for the program. The bill could impose an unfunded mandate of $922 million on Ohio from 2014 to 2019, and then impose an additional $1.2 billion per year beginning in 2020.
A chart released by the Heritage Foundation shows a state-by-state breakdown of the additional burden this legislation would impose on every state.
Meanwhile, Republicans have a plan for significant, affordable health care reform. To increase awareness of Washington Democrats’ massive government-run takeover of health care, channel new ideas and highlight proposals that will bring about real, responsible change to our health care system, Congressman Boehner has created GOP State Solutions and GOP Health Care.gov.
Other Recent News
• New York Times: Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid is aware of devastating impact proposed Medicaid expansion would have on states, secures exemption for Nevada
• Washington Post: Governors across the country voice their concern about costs associated with Medicaid expansion
• Nashville City Paper: Democratic governor criticizes health care bill, says unfunded mandate couldn’t come at worse time for states
• Columbus Dispatch: Boehner begins efforts to urge Gov. Strickland to speak out against unfunded mandates; oppose health care bill
