In State-of-the-State Speeches, Governors Present Healthcare Priorities

Gov. Dave Heineman (R-Nebraska)
"Our state has been working hard for nearly two years to protect Nebraska's interests, and I want to assure you and our citizens that Nebraska will not default to the federal government regarding a health insurance exchange. However, it is important to recognize that the U.S. Supreme Court will decide whether this law is constitutional or not by June 29 of this year. The simple truth is it would be a costly mistake to spend millions of taxpayer dollars to begin implementing Obamacare until the U.S. Supreme Court makes its decision."

Gov. Susana Martinez (R-New Mexico)
"As we continue to do more with less, we must never forget that our budget is a statement about our values. That's why my budget invests $45 million more in Medicaid, providing healthcare for the poor and the disabled."

Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D-New York)
"Almost 16 percent of New Yorkers under the age of 65—2.7 million people—are uninsured. Most are working people and their dependents. We have a unique opportunity to address this challenge by developing a New York State Health Insurance Exchange that will be financed entirely by the federal government.

When the Exchange is implemented, more than one million New Yorkers will gain health coverage and individuals who currently buy their coverage directly will see their cost drop by 66%. Small businesses will see the cost of providing coverage to their employees drop by 22%. In addition to the benefits to the uninsured and small businesses, the Exchange will benefit New York's taxpayers. The $1.7 billion that taxpayers currently contribute to offset the cost of providing care to the uninsured will be significantly reduced. The increased federal Medicaid match that recognizes New York's higher Medicaid eligibility levels will bring an additional $18 billion in funds to the state over 10 years."