BOONTON, N.J. – In a cookie-cutter
press release recycling lame and unoriginal Democratic talking points, Lisa Bhimani and Darcy Draeger’s Monday attack on Assemblyman Anthony Bucco turned out to be a major embarrassment as the documented record proves Bucco to be the bipartisan voice they had always hoped for.
“Bhimani and Draeger need to get their facts straight. If they had spent five minutes looking at my voting record from as recently as five days ago they’d see I’ve already supported many of the bills they’re demanding action on in the legislature. From extending dependent insurance coverage to age 26, to supporting coverage for preexisting conditions, I have a long list of bipartisan votes including enhanced Medicaid coverage for pregnant women and prenatal services,” said Bucco, a pediatric cancer survivor who as a result lost one of his vocal cords at a young age. “As a cancer survivor, I also pushed hard in the legislature to ensure the tests and procedures your doctor orders can’t be delayed or denied by an insurance company bureaucrat.”
While Bhimani and Draeger endorsed a state-based health exchange, the program is duplicative and wasteful at a time when the federal government provides these services already and New Jersey is headed towards bankruptcy. Just last week Democrats passed a budget raising spending by $1 billion, which both Democrat candidates have failed to state their position on.
“Based on their past support for a Bernie Sanders-style healthcare system, it’s no surprise Bhimani and Draeger would push more big government programs that spend our money in Trenton at the same time Phil Murphy is slashing millions of dollars in school aid to our local districts,” added Bucco. “Maybe next time they can do a Google search before falsely attacking my bipartisan record.”
Bucco’s most recent healthcare votes:
- A5021 requiring Medicaid coverage for group prenatal care services (Bucco YES on 6/20/19)
- A5501 requiring continuation of health benefits until dependent turns 26 (Bucco YES on 6/20/19)
- A5509 requiring health benefits for breastfeeding support (Bucco YES 6/20/19)
- A4724 prohibits pre-approval for certain treatments, medication and tests (Bucco sponsor, testified in January)
