'VIRTUAL DEBATE' TO FOCUS ON MEDICAID

(TRENTON) - Medicaid will be the focus in the next round of the "Virtual Debate" that the Hall Institute is sponsoring for this year's U.S. Senate campaign. The question, which was posted today at www.hallnj.org/virtualdebate and sent to the Senate candidates, reads:

As the nation grows older and substantial numbers of Americans are not covered by medical coverage, Medicaid expenses will dramatically increase. From 1997 to 2004, federal and state expenditures for Medicaid jumped from $159 billion to $295 billion. The National Governors Association and the Bush Administration have agreed to allow the states discretion in revamping their programs.

A. Do you believe that there should be a uniform national policy regarding Medicaid coverage or should each state have discretion to add or subtract from the coverage?

B. How should the nation pay for increasing Medicaid expenses?

C. If states are given the power to eliminate certain coverages, what current New Jersey Medicaid coverages, if any, should be eliminated or reduced?

Candidate responses will be posted August 29. The online exchange between New Jersey's candidates for the U.S. Senate began on July 4 with opening statements from the candidates, followed by candidate responses to questions on fiscal issues, foreign policy and Social Security. The virtual debate - the first of its type in New Jersey - will run through Election Day.

The two major candidates for New Jersey's U.S. Senate seat - Democrat Robert Menendez and Republican Thomas H. Kean Jr. - are participating in the virtual debate.

Members of the public may suggest questions and/or topics for the debate by emailing senate06@hallnj.org. The Hall Institute's Debate Advisory Committee will review the submissions and then formulate the debate questions from research conducted by the institute and from a synthesis of the questions and issues raised by citizens, the media, public officials and leaders from the private and public sectors.

The Hall Institute is a non-partisan, not-for-profit foundation established to explore social, economic, educational and cultural issues. Located in Trenton directly across from the New Jersey State House, the Institute has posted a series of white papers, research essays and op-ed articles on its website at www.hallnj.org in an effort to generate debate and discussion and develop solutions to the problems confronting the state and its residents.

The Institute, which plans to publish an academic journal later this year, was established last year by George E. Hall, a successful business executive and a leading philanthropist who lives in Middletown, N.J.

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