Gov. Peter Shumlin has again postponed the unveiling of financing options for single-payer health care. But one lawmaker says the administration needs to show its cards. And she’s taking action to press the issue.
Rep. Cynthia Browning, D-Arlington, filed a public records request with the Agency of Administration this week seeking access to all internal documents related to single-payer financing.
“This is a very difficult task they’re doing – I don’t deny that,” Browning says. “But they have to let us know what they’re working on; they have to present financing plans. Vermonters need to know if this program is going to come into existence and assist them or not.”
Browning’s request focuses on emails, memos, draft reports and other documents created by Michael Costa, the administration’s deputy director of health care reform. Costa was brought on to put together a financing plan showing what taxes will be used to support the single-payer system. He was due to present financing options before the end of the 2014 legislative session, until Shumlin pushed back the timeline last week.
Administration officials say they’re reviewing Browning’s request, and will turn over whatever records the law requires them to.
Browning says that if the administration denies all or parts of her request, she’s prepared to use other legal avenues to obtain the materials.
