scr132

28 Jan: Senate Resolution Advocating For Medicaid Expansion Approved By Assembly

Trenton – A Senate resolution advocating for a plan to expand Medicaid in New Jersey gained the approval of the Assembly on Monday. The measure urges Governor Chris Christie to accept a federal proposal to greatly expand Medicaid in New Jersey, a plan that would extend coverage to hundreds of thousands of the uninsured, bring tens of billions in federal funds to the state and, in the process, produce savings for hospitals by reducing uncompensated care expenses.

The Assembly voted 45 – 30 in support of SCR-132, which urges the governor to accept the offer from the federal government to pay the full cost of the expansion the first three years, followed by a three-year phase-down to a permanent 90 percent reimbursement. The Senate approved the resolution on November 29, 2012.

19 Nov: Legislators Urge Medicaid Expansion For NJ

TRENTON – New Jersey should take advantage of the opportunity to extend health care coverage to hundreds of thousands of the uninsured by expanding the Medicaid program, said the sponsors of a legislative resolution urging participation in the newly-offered help from the federal government that was approved by the Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee on Monday.

Senator Joe Vitale and Senate Majority Leader Loretta Weinberg said the expansion could bring up to $22 billion in federal funds over eight years, provide coverage to at least 234,00 of the uninsured and reduce costs for hospitals and the state for uncompensated care. A key component of the national health care reforms, the Medicaid expansion would be fully funded by the federal government the first three years and phased down over three years to cover 90 percent permanently.

13 Dec: Lesniak Floor Remarks On Sports Wagering Constitutional Amendment

TRENTON – Senator Raymond J. Lesniak, D-Union, the sponsor of a constitutional amendment which would allow New Jersey to establish sports wagering as soon as the federal government’s ban is lifted, issued the following remarks on the floor prior to the Senate’s approval of the bill today by a vote of 36-3:

“SCR-132 would amend the New Jersey Constitution, if approved by the voters next November, to allow sports betting at our casinos and racetracks and former racetracks. Betting on New Jersey amateur teams or on any amateur sporting event in New Jersey would not be allowed.

22 Nov: Lesniak Sports Betting Constitutional Amendment Receives Committee Approval

TRENTON – Senator Raymond J. Lesniak, D-Union, issued the following statement today urging his colleagues to support SCR-132, his constitutional amendment which would legalize sports wagering in New Jersey. The bill was approved by the Senate Economic Growth Committee today by a vote of 6-1:

“SCR-132 will amend the Constitution of the State of New Jersey, if approved by the voters, to authorize the legislature to enact laws allowing sports betting at Atlantic City’s casinos and current and former horserace tracks. Betting on out-of-state amateur games involving any New Jersey teams, or on any amateur games played in the state will not be allowed.