HPF "Potential Q & A" memo to Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr., 2003?

To: RLE From: HPF Potential Q & A: Governor, the General Assembly authorized this program in 2001. It has taken nearly two years of consultation with the Bush Administration to bring it to fruition, which is happening on your watch. Are you claiming credit for something you did not do? No. In fact, we invited a half dozen legislators to today’s event (DeGrange, Sophocleus, Jimeno, Dwyer and Leopold), many of whom are here today and are Democrats. They deserve credit for making this program a reality, as is stated in our press release. However, the Ehrlich Administration, particularly Secretary Sabatini and his staff, have worked tirelessly over the past six months to make this program a reality. It is bipartisan and bicameral - and a model of intergovernmental partnership. Governor, during the campaign you called this program, which was supported by your opponent, “unaffordable. ” Why the change in heart? We have had the last six months to review this program. Tommy Thompson and the Bush Administration are very supportive. After reviewing the program and its merits and listening to the Bush Administration, we believe it is prudent to move forward. There are real benefits here for 50,000 seniors. The key is that the Bush Administration is willing to back us up. [Also refer to Nelson.] As you know, Congress and the Bush Administration are close to an agreement on a prescription drug package. How are these programs related? There is very little relation. The program Congress is currently “conferencing” on, if passed, would not go into effect until 2006. Our program begins operation today. However, as a former member of the Health Subcommittee in Congress, I know firsthand the necessity of signing into law a long-term, affordable prescription drug package on the federal level.