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Corman Urges Rendell Not to Flip-Flop on Fair Share Act
HARRISBURG -- Sen.
Jake Corman (R-34), author of the Fair Share lawsuit reform measure that is now
awaiting the governor's signature, today reminded Governor Rendell of his past
statements on joint and several liability reform.
"As we near the time when
Governor Rendell has to sign or veto Senate Bill 435, I want to remind him of
his past strong and clear support for the Fair Share Act," Sen. Corman said. "I
strongly urge Governor Rendell to sign the bill and not perform a classic
flip-flop on this important reform."
Corman said a white paper
that Governor Rendell distributed in 2002 outlines Rendell's support for the
Fair Share Act that was enacted that year, but was then overturned by the
courts.
Rendell's white paper states
that, "Ed Rendell supported changing joint and several liability as many other
states have already done. Ed Rendell supported establishing fault thresholds
for joint and several liability, comparable to the thresholds included by the
General Assembly in Act 57. Ed Rendell continues to support Act 57 as enacted
by the General Assembly."
Rendell goes on to call upon
House Minority Leader Bill DeWeese and House Minority Whip Mike Veon to withdraw
litigation challenging the adoption of Act 57, the Fair Share Act.
"Given the importance of the
substantive reform to joint and several liability contained in Act 57 to the
health care industry, Ed Rendell has asked the Democratic leadership to stand
down from this particular legal challenge at this time."
Later in 2002, Ed Rendell
issued a press release reaffirming his support of Act 57, the Fair Share Act.
In an August 27, 2002, press
release targeted at gubernatorial candidate Mike Fisher, Rendell states, "Ed
Rendell Supports Fair Share Reform. In an attack released today, the Fisher
camp alleges that Ed Rendell opposes the Fair Share legislation passed by the
Legislature. In fact, Rendell called for the types of changes to joint and
several liability that the Legislature ultimately enacted – and even in their
attack, the Fisher camp acknowledges that Rendell has consistently supported
modifications."
"Governor Rendell has the
opportunity to stand firm on his past views on the Fair Share Act and sign this
bill," Corman said. "This is an opportunity for Governor Rendell to show
consistent leadership on this issue."
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