CASE, LEGISLATURE OVERRIDE GOVERNOR’S VETO OF NONEMERGENCY MEDICAL TRANSPORTATION

Hartford – State Representative Jay Case (R-63) participated in a veto override session on Monday, June 20. The House of Representatives took up six pieces of legislation, which had previously passed both legislative chambers, but were vetoed when they reached the governor’s desk.

The legislature can override a veto by reconsidering the re-passage of a vetoed bill by a super majority vote.

“Connecticut’s check and balance system has come to life today, with the re-passage of several pieces of legislation that had been vetoed by the executive branch of government,” explained Case. “These bills received overwhelming support prior to being sent to the governor’s desk. Having such a mechanism alleviates the concentration of power, despite one-party rule.”

Legislative Republicans and Democrats overturned the governor’s vetoes in a bi-partisan fashion, with little debate and passage of the bills slated for re-consideration.

Of note, Special Act 16-8, AN ACT CONCERNING NONEMERGENCY MEDICAL TRANSPORTATION FOR MEDICAID RECIPIENTS was initially vetoed but was overridden at today’s veto override session. The legislation seeks to put a Nonemergency Medical Transportation (NEMT) contract out to bid, soliciting a private contractor to coordinate and administer nonemergency medical transportation services for Medicaid patients. Often, access to care is a major barrier for Medicaid clients, a common issue that this bill seeks to rectify.

“As a core function of government, it is critical that there be a robust infrastructure to connect the most vulnerable citizens to crucial health care services,” stated Case. “The timeframe for the current options of transportation are simply not sufficient for Medicaid clients in the Northwest corner. Privatizing transportation by putting an NEMT out to bid provides better options to those living in rural areas.”

The override of S.A. 16-8 by the House of Representatives was confirmed by the Senate with concurring action. As a result, the bill now becomes law.

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