SENATE HALTS LEPAGE VETO SPREE WITH 11th OVERRIDE

AUGUSTA— In a 33-1 vote, the Senate overrode Governor Paul LePage’s veto of a bill to increase transparency in healthcare costs by requiring healthcare providers to inform patients that cost estimates can be obtained from the Maine Health Data Organization.

“This bill allows us – a seasoned nation of shoppers who have honed our skills at yard sales, in bargain basements and over the backyard fence – to be better shoppers for medical care by knowing prices ahead of time,” said Democratic Senator Geoff Gratwick of Bangor, who is also a physician. “For roughly 20% of folks who have no or poor insurance coverage, this measure may be of great help. It is a small step as we work to contain the costs of the runaway health care industry for the people of Maine.”

With a total of 125 vetoes during his tenure, Governor LePage has exceeded the number of vetoes by any other Governor, including the previous record holder, one-term Governor Jim Longley with 118 vetoes.

This is the eleventh veto of Governor LePage’s that the Legislature has overridden. Yesterday, the Legislature overrode vetoes of measures to prevent child abuse and neglect and provide additional oversight of medical marijuana facilities.

Last month, the Legislature overrode a veto of a measure to increase the number of qualified teachers in Maine. In February, the Legislature overrode Governor LePage’s veto of a bill sponsored by Senate President Justin Alfond of Portland to feed hungry students during summer vacation, and in January, overrode Governor LePage’s veto of a bill to help people quit smoking.

Last year, the Legislature overrode Governor LePage’s veto of the state’s two-year budget, as well as vetoes of a comprehensive omnibus energy bill,a measure to provide funding to the STEM (Science Technology Engineering Math) Council of Maine, a bill adjusting fees for county registries of deeds, and a bill to require warrants for cell phone tracking.

The bill, LD 1642, “An Act To Clarify the Law Governing Public Disclosure of Health Care Prices,” will now be sent to the House. The House previously unanimously approved the bill under the hammer.

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