| NEWARK, N.J. – A new poll released today shows that Governor Chris Christie and Senate President Steve Sweeney’s Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield takeover and reserve raid legislation is opposed by a whopping 61% of New Jersey residents, compared to only 29% who support the bill. The poll was conducted this week by Benenson Strategy Group, one of the most respected national public opinion research firms in the country. The results come on the heels of a groundswell of opposition to the Christie-Sweeney plan, with organizations representing business groups, labor leaders, progressive and conservative grassroots activists, ethnic organizations and much more voicing their strong rejection of the bill due to the adverse effects it will have on Horizon’s policyholders and on the business climate in the state.
“Throughout this debate the opposition to the Christie-Sweeney takeover plan has been near unanimous, bridging the gap between liberal and conservative groups and uniting a diverse and varied coalition in standing up to the Governor and saying no to his reckless, dangerous plan,” said Doug Johnston, spokesman for Hands Off Healthcare NJ. “This poll shows that the voters of the State of New Jersey are also vehemently opposed to this bill and that any legislator who is considering supporting it will have a serious problem when it comes to re-election in November.”
The poll shows widespread disapproval for the Vitale bill that cuts across party lines — 60% of Democrats oppose the bill, along with 65% of Republicans and 58% of Independents. The plan has garnered widespread opposition from political leaders in the state including Democratic gubernatorial nominee Phil Murphy, U.S. Senators Robert Menendez and Cory Booker and many others.
The poll also shows that voters are more likely to vote against a legislator who supports the plan than to vote for him or her by a 2-1 margin, showing that supporting the bill could pay a stiff price with their constituents.
CONTACT: Doug Johnston 609-751-6670 or doug.johnston@handsoffhealthcarenj.org |
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