Chris Christie rescinds cuts on prescription drug programs

    Many unpopular cuts are still in his plan

    Governor Chris Christie says he’s sending the New Jersey legislature a budget fix to cancel his planned reduction in funding for the state’s drug programs for senior citizens. His comments came at a meeting with more than a hundred seniors in Linden.

    Governor Christie says the P.A.A.D. and Senior Gold programs will not change one bit. He says savings from generic drugs, higher manufacturers rebates , and federal health care reform allow him to avoid a proposed $310 deductible and increased co-pays for seniors enrolled in the state’s drug programs.

    Loretta Jones of Linden says it’s a welcome relief.

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    “In as much that they’ll be no change in it then that has a positive effect because certainly we can’t afford any increases in our medical coverage.”

    Christie made his announcement just a day before lawmakers consider restoring an income tax surcharge on millionaires to pay for the restoration of seniors’ prescription drug benefits and property tax rebates.

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