Fri, 05/21/2010 - 5:32pm

Hypocrisy Watch: Republicans Applaud Christie for Using Funds from a Federal Program They Think is Unconstitutional

Governor Chris Christie reversed course on Thursday, announcing that he will restore funding for Senior Gold and the Pharmaceutical Assistance to the Aged and Disabled (PAAD), eliminating planned hikes in premiums and copays for seniors.

The part that the so-called "liberal media" largely ignored, however, is that Christie is allowed to do that because of the health care reform bill recently passed by President Obama and Democrats in Congress.

The health care reform package passed in March included discounts on generic drugs in Medicare, changes, changes to the Part D Low Income Subsidy, a Medicaid drug rebate program, and the phase out of the Medicare doughnut hole in coverage.  Interestingly, these are the exact four places Christie has found funding for the Senior Gold and PAAD restorations.

Following Christie's announcement, a slew of Republican legislators commended Christie for "finding" the funds.  However, at least two of them are among 17 state GOP legislators who have signed on to a letter declaring the health care reform law was unconstitutional, asking Christie to sign onto a lawsuit suing to overturn the health care reform package.

Senator Anthony Bucco, R-25th District, signed the letter saying health care reform was unconstitutional.  But yesterday he welcomed the funding from it:

“I commend Governor Christie for taking a balanced approach to restoring the PAAD and Senior Gold co-payments to last year’s levels, without the need for higher taxes. As we draw nearer to the June 30 budget deadline we must redouble our efforts to send the governor legislation that promotes job growth for all New Jerseyans.”

Assemblyman Gary Chuisano, R-24th District, also says health care reform was unconsitutional.  But when Christie took advantage of the bill, it was a different story:

"This is proof that it's possible to cut government spending and provide for our most vulnerable citizens without yet another tax increase on the small businesses New Jersey needs to rebuild our economy.  Today's decision spares both senior citizens and the business community while allowing New Jersey to continue in the direction of lower taxes and less government spending."

They were not alone.  Assemblyman Jon Bramnick attended an anti-reform rally in November 2009, but praised its effects on Thursday:

“Senior citizens will pay less for the drugs they need without another disastrous tax on New Jersey’s small businesses," said Bramnick.

There were more Republican Legislators singing the praises of Obama's health care bill, who, presumably are all supporters of the bill.  They included:

It is simply unaccaptable for Republicans to call a bill unconstitutional, but then praise Governor Christie for using the savings that very bill creates.  Will anyone in the New Jersey media ask the legislators who approve of the funding restoration if they also approve of where those very funds are coming from?

HE ISNT THINKING OF WORKERS OF NJ.HE NEED CUT BACK THE HEAD GUYS IN OFFICES THTA MAKE MILLIONS A YEAR GET RID OF THEM. LEAVE EVERYDAY WORKERS THAT ARE JSUT TRY TO GET BY.WHERE WAS HE TODAY HIDING IN HIS HOME. WHILE REST OF US WORRY IF THEY HAVE JOB TOMORROW.

Submitted by Anonymous on Sat, 05/22/2010 - 3:28pm.