Governor Christie Vetoes controversial EMS overhaul bill again, citing the State Legislature failed to complete the review he required when he conditionally vetoed the bill sixteen months ago. Read the Governor's full veto message below.
May 9, 2013
SENATE BILL NO. 1650
(Second Reprint)
To the Senate:
Pursuant to Article V, Section I, Paragraph 14 of the New
Jersey Constitution, I am returning Senate Bill No. 1650 (Second
Reprint) without my approval.
Sixteen months ago, I returned similar legislation that
would have made significant changes to our Emergency Medical
Services (“EMS”) system with my recommendation that
modifications of this scope should only be considered following
a comprehensive review to determine how the proposed changes
would impact property taxes, volunteerism, licensure,
certification, State and local budgets, and opportunities for
regionalization or shared services. Unfortunately, Senate Bill
No. 1650 fails to address these critical threshold issues, and
the significant concerns I outlined regarding the original
legislation remain.
The strength of our EMS system has served New Jersey well
for many years. First responders, including our emergency
medical services personnel, continue to fulfill their duties
with heroism and valor. This outstanding effort was no more on
display than during Super Storm Sandy and its aftermath. While
I agree that we should always continue to evaluate our EMS
delivery system in order to consider ways to improve service and
accountability, any proposed changes to our EMS system should be
carefully considered and responsibly implemented.
As I previously stated, the proposed changes in this bill
raise a multitude of new issues that require careful deliberation. before disturbing our current system of emergency
care and rushing headlong into the major overhaul proposed in
the bill, prudence dictates that we fully comprehend the
consequences of such changes.
Accordingly, I herewith return Senate Bill No. 1650 (Second
Reprint) without my approval.
Respectfully,
/s/ Chris Christie
Governor
