House Republican Press Release

April 20, 2007

Press Office: 860-240-8700

Rep. Stripp Opposes “Mandate Bill” that Harms Easton, Redding and Weston

“Towns would Lose Negotiating Power”

HARTFORD – State Representative John Stripp, (R-Weston) expressed concern over a bill approved by the Legislature’s Appropriations Committee to create a mandated state-wide health insurance pool for all municipalities.

The bill, HB-7396 creates a health plan called the Public Employee Health Plan in which each eligible employee is required to be enrolled by the employing municipality. Every employee would be in the same plan regardless of the employees’ needs.

Another provision in the bill establishes a municipal health care cost containment committee to determine the selection of plans. This cost containment committee would consist of ten representatives for the 169 municipalities and ten representatives of the labor unions along with one neutral chairperson such as an arbitrator. The committee’s prevue over municipal health plans under the bill would not be subject to collective bargaining or appeal.

“With towns, like Easton, Weston and Redding already struggling with fixed costs in their budgets including salaries, retirement benefits as well as rising energy costs, being told they are unable to collectively bargain health care plans with employees, harms their ability keep property taxes affordable,” said Rep. Stripp.

Rep. Stripp added, “This one size fits all health care bill is utterly unworkable.  The bills goals go too far and are completely unattainable.  This is just another example of state government promising something then passing it off on the towns without providing any funds to cover the program costs.”

The bill awaits action in the State House, then if approved the bill moves to the State Senate for debate.  For more information on the bill go to the General Assembly’s website:

Representative Stripp (R–135) represents Easton, Redding and Weston.