Decision Sets The Stakes For November’s Election

Two years after liberal U.S. Congressman Martin Heinrich voted for the massive health care bill, the Supreme Court today has affirmed Heinrich’s decision to put the Democrats’ far-left agenda ahead of New Mexico seniors and small businesses.  In doing so, the Court has made clear what is at stake in November’s election.

“The Supreme Court’s decision makes clear that the only way to stop the massive tax increases, government spending, and cuts to Medicare contained in the healthcare law is to elect Heather Wilson who will work to repeal this job-killing law,” National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC) spokesman Jahan Wilcox said today.  

BACKGROUND….

Heinrich Supported The Individual Mandate

In February 2011, Heinrich Voted Against An Amendment That Would Bar The IRS From Using Federal Funds To Implement Or Enforce The Individual Mandate Of The 2010 Health Care Law. “Emerson, R-Mo., amendment that would bar the IRS from using funds to implement or enforce the individual mandate provision of the 2010 health care law, which requires individuals to ensure that they and their dependents have ‘minimum essential coverage’ beginning in 2013 or pay a penalty. The amendment also would bar the IRS from using funds to implement provisions that require insurance providers to report to the agency that they have provided coverage to individuals.” (HR 1, CQ Vote #100: Adopted in Committee of the Whole by a vote of 246-182: R 238-0; D 8-182, 2/18/11, Heinrich Voted Nay)

In June 2010, Heinrich Voted To Kill An Amendment That Would Have Removed The Individual Mandate From The Health Care Bill. “Camp, R-Mich., motion to recommit the bill to the Ways and Means Committee with instructions that it be immediately reported back with language that would repeal the individual mandate to purchase health insurance in the 2010 health care overhaul law.” (H.R. 5486, CQ Vote #362: Motion rejected by a vote of 187-230: D 21-229; R 166-1, 6/15/10, Heinrich Voted Nay)

And Heinrich Proudly Voted For ObamaCare

Heinrich Voted For The Health Care Reform Law. (H.R. 3590, CQ Vote #165: Motion agreed to, thus clearing the bill for the president, by a vote of 219-212: R 0-178; D 219-34, 3/21/10, Heinrich Voted Yea)

Heinrich Voted For The Health Care Reconciliation Bill. (H.R. 4872, CQ Vote #194: Motion agreed to, thus clearing the bill for the president, by a vote of 220-207: R 0-175; D 220-32, 3/25/10, Heinrich Voted Yea)

Heinrich Said He Was Confident His Vote For Health Care Reform “Falls On The Right Side Of History.” “This debate has been long, thoughtful, and emotional. And even though we have seen statistics manipulated, misinformation encouraged, and the very patriotism of our fellow citizens called into question, I am confident that my vote today falls on the right side of history.” (Congressman Martin Heinrich, “Heinrich Makes Historic Vote For Health Reform To Improve The Lives Of Hundreds Of Thousands Of New Mexicans,” Press Release, 3/21/10)

ADDITIONAL BACKGROUND… 

The Cost Of ObamaCare To New Mexico Alone

The Heritage Foundation Estimates From 2014 To 2020 ObamaCare Will Cost New Mexico An Additional $195.8 Million. (Edmund Haislmaier and Brian Blasé, “Obamacare: Impact On States,” The Heritage Foundation, 7/1/10)

Estimates Place ObamaCare’s Costs For New Mexico’s State Budget Between $194 And $278 Million By The End Of The Decade. “Under this ‘enhanced outreach scenario,’ Kaiser report estimates that roughly 163,000 New Mexicans would sign up for the newly expanded Medicaid vs. 111,000 under the CBO scenario. The scenario where 163,000 New Mexicans sign up would cost New Mexico the $278 million in additional spending over the six-year period, from fiscal 2014 through 2019. The scenario where 111,000 New Mexicans sign up would cost New Mexico $194 million over the same period.” (Trip Jennings, “Debate Over Cost Of Medicaid Expansion To States,” New Mexico Independent, 5/27/10)

In 2010, Healthcare Spending In New Mexico Accounted For $6 Billion, Or 7.52 Percent Of The State’s GDP. (“Gross Domestic Product By State (GDP By State) Interactive Maps,” Bureau Of Economic Analysis, Accessed 5/20/12)

Meanwhile Healthcare Costs Are Rising In New Mexico

In 2012, New Mexico Large Employer Health Insurance Premiums Are Expected To Increase From 6 To 7 Percent. “Stephen R. Byrd of the Manuel Lujan Agencies in Albuquerque said large employers in New Mexico can expect a 6 to 7 percent increase next year, absent any changes in their groups’ medical history and demographics.” (Winthrop Quigley, “Premium Increases Slow in N.M.,” Albuquerque Journal, 9/28/11)

• In 2011, “Premium Increases Have Topped Out At 8 Or 9 Percent For Some Larger [New Mexico]Companies.” (Winthrop Quigley, “Premium Increases Slow in N.M.,” Albuquerque Journal, 9/28/11)

University Of New Mexico Student Health And Counseling Director Beverly Kloeppel Said That Due To Obamacare, Student Health Insurance Plans Are Increasing. “Student health insurance at the University of New Mexico could increase by up to 30 percent next school year. The expansion in health insurance coverage mandated by President Barack Obama’s Affordable Care Act is causing a rise in premiums in most student insurance plans around the country, student health and counseling director Beverly Kloeppel said Friday.” (Astrid Galvan, “Insurance May Spike For UNM Students,” Albuquerque Journal, 5/20/12)

• Kloeppel: Colleges Nationwide Have Seen Their Student Plans Increase By 20 To 30 Percent. “However, colleges and universities nationwide have seen their student plans spike by anywhere from 20 percent to 30 percent, Kloeppel said. ‘I would say that it’s likely the university would experience similar (increases),’ she said.” (Astrid Galvan, “Insurance May Spike For UNM Students,” Albuquerque Journal, 5/20/12)