Washington - U.S. Senator Robert Menendez (D-NJ) issued the following statement in reaction to Governor Chris Christie's veto of legislation creating a statewide health care exchange to provide coverage options for consumers and small businesses:
"I'm disappointed in the Governor's decision to veto this legislation. The clock is ticking, and the Governor's veto leaves unanswered how we can best achieve getting affordable health coverage for New Jersey families.
"For the uninsured, their predicament is not only unfortunate and unacceptable, it is also unsustainable as a cost to New Jersey taxpayers. New Jersey taxpayers are on the hook every time someone without coverage shows up in an emergency room, whether it's for life-threatening treatment or routine medical care. The new health exchange will help families find affordable options.
"The one thing I do agree with the Governor on is that this should not be done hastily. New Jersey has an opportunity to get this right, with $8.7 million in federal funding for planning and preparation. That is exactly why we can't afford any delays."
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