Action Needed
Sustain the “Fair Share” Veto
When the Maryland General Assembly convenes this week, the first order of business will be an attempt to override the Governor’s veto of the Fair Share Health Care Fund Act, SB 790/HB 1284. The vote will be very close. Legislators need to hear from business people. Contact your legislators and urge them to vote to sustain the Governor's veto.

Don’t be fooled by the rhetoric used by the proponents of the so-called “Wal Mart Bill.” This legislation does nothing to increase the availability of health insurance in Maryland. If enacted, this legislation would put a payroll tax on the books. Next year, the proponents of this legislation will be back with demands to extend the payroll tax to more employers. In fact, proponents of these initiatives have acknowledged that this is their ultimate goal.

To stop this veto override, legislators need to hear from business people. Contact your legislators and urge them to sustain the Governor’s veto. In short, Governor Ehrlich’s veto of SB 790/HB 1284 should be sustained because:

• The legislation does nothing to address the problem of Maryland’s uninsured.
• Federal law, specifically the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA), prohibits states from enacting such laws.
• Passage would present a significant threat to all Maryland businesses, as proponents would seek to expand the payroll tax to more businesses in future years. For years, proponents have sought to create a state-mandated universal health care system funded by business taxes. This bill get them in the door.
• Legislators should focus on real reforms that would make health care insurance more affordable for small businesses. Such reforms include increasing competition, enacting long-term medical liability reform, and reviewing the government mandates and other factors that contribute to health care costs.
  

Take Action Now!
Click here to contact your legislators. Action can be taken in minutes. A sample letter is available or you can write your own and email it with just a few clicks of your mouse.

How Did Your Legislators Vote?
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Related Information

• Why the "Fair Share" Bill Veto Should be Sustained
• Chamber Challenges the Legality of the “Fair Share” Health Bill
• Washington Post: Beating Up on Wal-Mart
• Op-Ed: Wal-Mart bill is no solution
• Governor Ehrlich's Veto Message
• Baltimore Business Journal Letter to the Editor
• Washington Post Editorial
• Washington Times Editorial
• Baltimore Sun Editorial
• The Rush Limbaugh Show: 4/7/05 | 4/11/05