Governor Rendell today provided details about a part of the federal healthcare reform act known as the Early Retiree Reinsurance Program; one of four aspects of the new law he intends to highlight as beneficial to the state in a series of press announcements. The program provides $5 billion in assistance to employers to help maintain coverage for retirees until they are eligible for Medicare. The governor said 103 employers in Pennsylvania, including the commonwealth itself, have signed up for the program. According to the governor the program will relieve $119 million in tax burdens associated with retiree healthcare costs for Pennsylvania taxpayers.
At the press conference Governor Rendell also commented on the Marcellus Shale severance tax, a Quran burning being planned by a Florida preacher, his characterization of some in the Republican Party as “whackos,” and his efforts to help Democratic candidates Dan Onorato and Joe Sestak. Check the Press Conferences section of the Capitol Toolbox later for the full story.
