Breaking News: Lane Bajardi and Wife file $2 million defamation lawsuit against Grafix Avenger, MSV and over 10 Anonymous Local Bloggers

Lane Bajardi and wife Kim Cardinal launch $2 million defamation lawsuit against GA, MSV and over 10 other anonymous local bloggers

Complaint states that it is the Bajardi’s intention to subpoena over a dozen screen names to be added as named defendants in the civil suit, mostly from the AOL Hoboken Patch.

Lane Bajardi at Hoboken City Council Meeting

In a $2 million civil suit containing allegations with significant ramifications for First Amendment online free speech, Councilwoman Beth Mason's "friend" Lane Bajardi, along with his wife Kim Cardinal, has filed a defamation lawsuit containing allegations against Grafix Avenger (www.grafixavenger.blogspot.com) Mile Square View (MSV), and 10 other "unnamed" defendants earlier this month.

Lane Bajardi texting at Hoboken City Council Meeting

The lawsuit alleges that neither Lane Bajardi or Kim Cardinal currently post under the screen names "prosbus" and "curious gal" and references to that effect are "false and defamatory." The complaint also claims that the plaintiffs are not political operatives.

The complaint does not state why identifying the plaintiffs as the authors of the posts made by prosbus and curious gal is defamatory or what damages they have actually suffered as a result of any material that appears on MSV or GA or on Hoboken Patch. The majority of the allegations of defamation contained in the complaint are against Grafix Avenger but MSV and other anonymous screen names are referred to throughout the complaint.

Both Bajardi and Cardinal state they are not being paid by Councilwoman Beth Mason or her 501(c)(3) Mason Civic League. The complaint also contains allegations that the Bajardis do no associate with corrupt individuals. No mention is made of Beth Mason's numerous campaigns and campaign committees underwritten by her husband, Ricky Mason of Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Krantz.

Bajardi also states throughout the complaint that he is "not a person of interest to the FBI and is not involved in criminal activity." In other parts of the complaint Bajardi states he has not been held in the custody of the FBI.

The allegations and claims in the complaint are stated in the present tense, such as "Bajardi does not post anonymously on Hoboken Patch.", leaving unclear where or not the Bajardis historically posted anonymously on Patch in the past.

In a statement emailed to the Hoboken Journal, Roman Brice wrote:

"We would be interested to find out who's financing this SLAPP (Strategic Litigations Against Public Participation) suit as we don't believe Mr. Bajardi is footing the bills for this lawsuit after having been unemployed for 2 years prior to his recent employment with CBS. We believe that this is part of a conspiracy participated in by not just Mr. Bajardi but other political operatives."

From the "Letter to the FBI" series which has appeared on the Grafix Avenger site, the complaint claims that the satirical material wherein GA refers to her joining the FBI and assisting in arresting people associated with corruption is a threat of violence to the Bajardi family, as there is a reference to an address on “Park Avenue.” However, no street number is contained in the satirical post.

One of several allegations in the complaint against MSV notes that the MSV Premium Content contained an assertion that Bajardi and Cardinal moved to Edgewater, NJ. (The Hoboken Journal subscribes to the MSV Premium Content and notes that the only names mentioned as part of a "Mason minion family" reportedly moving to Edgewater were the screen names "prosbus, curious gal, et. al"; the names of the plaintiffs Bajardi and Cardinal do not appear anywhere.)

Left without any explanation is why a statement that the Bajardis have moved to Edgewater is defamatory, even if it is not accurate and that throughout the complaint both Bajardi and Cardinal claim they are not prosbus and curious gal. Nor is any explanation given why stating an Edgewater abode has caused any damages to the plaintiffs.

The subject of compensation between Bajardi and Mason has been broached publicly in May 2011 at a City Council meeting. Bajardi, replying to earlier questions surrounding his communications with Mason and the unauthorized release on Hoboken411 of a HPD discrimination lawsuit stated, "Councilwoman Mason, at any time have you ever paid me one penny for my friendship?"

Mason's quietly replies "no" leaving unanswered whether or not there has been any payment for services rendered by Mr. Bajardi.



The complaint also threatens to issue subpoenas against a number of recognizable posters (anonymous defendants) on local Hoboken websites as follows:

This Means War, Napoleon Complex, khoboken, Hoboken1653, HobokenLeaks, Redrider765, JAM, and JackStop.

Additional screen names are also identified, some of which are common knowledge due to their public use over many years, with no citation whatsoever:

Bludiamonds, Klaussenfluffer, Bet Mazin, InfotainMe, plywood, Hobbs, Bob R, davidd, ss1959, "among others."

According to the complaint, Lane Bajardi and Kim Cardinal "had an excellent reputation in Hudson County" - "until the action of the defendants." Plaintiffs claim they are also acting against "the threats to their child."

The complaint states its intention to subpoena all the listed names, plus unknown and unlisted "others" from Hoboken Patch, Grafix Avenger, Google, MSV, NJ.com, and GallowayPatch.com followed with a "second wave" to corresponding Internet Service Providers (ISPs).

The California based First Amendment organization Electronic Frontier Foundation is aware of the case and asked any people posting under the anonymous names to contact their legal intake manager Mark Jaycox. The EFF is interested in assisting as it considers the freedom to post anonymously a cornerstone right in United States history.

Mark Jaycox can be contacted at (415) 436-9333 extension 128. The EFF website is at url: https://www.eff.org

Lane Bajardi hugging it out with Michele Russo as Matt Calicchio (r) stands nearby at a Hoboken restaurant last year.

Lane Bajardi and Michele Russo at a Hoboken City Council meeting.

Bajardi's complaint states he "does not associate with corrupt individuals."

Editor’s Note: The strategy of the Plaintiffs seems to be to require the defendants, both named and unnamed, to spend a lot of money and intimidate the defendants from covering local politics with their websites and posting comments that are contrary to the political views of the Bajardis. For those who have followed Hoboken politics closely, this is what Beth Mason does. She throws money at situations and there is a healthy suspicion that she is behind this lawsuit. Beth Mason at the last City Council meeting publicly and blatantly stated to Roman Brice that he was facing the imminent filing of a lawsuit against him.

There was one item in the complaint that really struck me as odd. One of the defendants asserted: "your child might be better off raised by wolves." I just can't believe that is actually in the complaint. Some might consider that impolite but how is hell is that defamation?

Confession: I have often thought what it might be like to be raised as a feral child. The freedom, the outdoors, never having to hear the parents worrying about the mortgage or a SLAPP lawsuit.

A comment such as that might be considered by some as over the top but if everyone got sued for making a remark like that one I don't think people would ever talk to each other.

The Jersey Journal also has a story of the lawsuit filed by the litigious Bajardi's and somehow they left out the screen names in the lawsuit that also targets over 10 anonymous bloggers. I wonder if that has anything to do with the pro-machine editorial slant of Auggie Torres? Their slant on the story I will leave to the judgement of the readers of this website.

I will not comment further as this is pending litigation and it affects two of my friends in Hoboken plus possibly others from a lengthy list of John Does.

Read here and feel free to comment: 

http://www.nj.com/hobokennow/index.ssf/2012/08/hoboken_activist_files_defamat.html ◦

Breaking News: Lane Bajardi and Wife file $2 million defamation lawsuit against Grafix Avenger, MSV and over 10 Anonymous Local Bloggers

SLAPP forces first slap back with Hoboken Free Speech Legal Defense Fund

As a result of the Recent SLAPP lawsuit filed by political activist Lane Bajardi and Kim Cardinal against MSV, Grafix Avenger and at least 10 other anonymous commentators, The Hoboken Free Speech Legal Defense fund has been created to help fight the suppression of free speech.

Thus the two named defendants have been  forced to reach out to the community for assistance and announce the Hoboken Free Speech Legal Defense Fund, a non-tax deductible entity to mount a rigorous defense.

Make out the check or money order to the Hoboken Free Speech Legal Defense Fund.

       

You may also send a check or money order (for those who prefer to contribute anonymously) to:




Hoboken Free Speech LDF
c/o Roman Brice
1032 Hudson Street Apt. 1S
Hoboken, NJ 07030

The defendants thank you kindly in advance for any and all support!

Editor's Note: I am fully aware that this fundraising effort also coincides with a BOE campaign and a future mayoral campaign next year along with several ballot initiatives to increase voter turnout and consolidate elections. When Beth Mason threatened one of the defendants with a lawsuit when he simply asked her a question about Mason Family Civic League records at a recent City Council meeting participatory democracy took a real back seat to Beth Mason's scorched earth politics and enemies list retribution from two of her political activists. It is as if Beth Mason can't take criticism at all and seeks to silence any one who disagrees with her.

There is a greater cause here and that is protecting free political speech in Hoboken.Give what you can. Fighting SLAPP lawsuits doesn't come cheap. Especially, since it is highly suspected that  Beth and Ricky Mason are behind their political allies that filed the lawsuit. ◦

SLAPP forces first slap back with Hoboken Free Speech Legal Defense Fund

Reminder - Let the People Decide Petition Party 7-9pm Tonight at Wicked Wolf

Petition Notarizing Party 7-9 PM at the Wicked Wolf 

Just a reminder about Tonight's notarizing party from 7-9 pm at the Wicked Wolf in Hoboken(2nd and Sinatra) Tuesday August 14th, 2012.

Please note that if you have any petitions or you know of any of your friends that have petitions, they MUST be notarized tonight- otherwise the efforts you made with your signatures will not count.  The group Vote Yes For November is handing the petitions in tomorrow to the city clerk!  They need every signature possible to count towards our total.  If you can not make it tonight, please contact either Vijay Chaudhuri (973-493-2691 or vijay.chaudhuri@gmail.com), Eric Kurta (ekurta65@verizon.net or 201-600-3245), or Tom who is helping coordinate our efforts (412-715-5726 or tom@voteyesfornovember.org) to make other arrangements.

The petition drive is to put on the ballot two initiatives in November to 1) move all municipal elections to November and keep them non-partisan and 2) eliminate the need for a runoff election.  The people will be allowed to decide if this is something they want or not.

Also just a reminder that Vote Yes For Hoboken will be thanking Scott Siegel for all his contributions to our city as he says goodbye to Hoboken (temporarily we all hope!).  Be sure to come out to wish him the best as well. ◦

Reminder - Let the People Decide Petition Party 7-9pm Tonight at Wicked Wolf

City of Hoboken Seeks Full Time Construction Code Official

The latest development from the City of Hoboken....

HOBOKEN SEEKS FULL TIME 

CONSTRUCTION CODE OFFICIAL

The City of Hoboken is seeking applications for the position of Construction Code Official. The City seeks honest and professional candidates to manage the construction office efficiently and treat all residents and business owners with respect and fairness. Certified Floodplain Managers and candidates with expertise in green construction elements including green roofs and solar installations and/or LEED certification are especially encouraged to apply. Candidates with experience establishing computerized systems to increase efficiency and customer service will also be highly considered.

The City has been operating with an interim Construction Code Official since 2011 and now seeks a permanent full-time position.

About the City of Hoboken, New Jersey

Hoboken, the “Mile Square City,” is a dynamic urban city with a population exceeding 50,000. Located on the Hudson River across from New York City, Hoboken is one of the most walkable cities in the country with the highest rate of public transportation usage. Washington Street, a vibrant retail and dining destination with many of Hoboken’s more than 100 sidewalk cafes, was named one of the Top 10 Streets in America. Featuring a world-class waterfront, a lively arts and music scene, and family-friendly parks and activities, Hoboken is a great place to live and work. Hoboken residents and all licensed professionals are invited to apply.

My Comment: Time to enter a new era with former construction code Al Arezzo's position finally being filled on a permanent basis.

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City of Hoboken Seeks Full Time Construction Code Official

Kids First Announces BOE Slate - Theresa Minutillo Not Seeking Re-election

From Ruth McAllister Kids First BOE candidate for November 2102...

Kids First Announces BOE Slate - Theresa Minutillo Not Seeking Re-election

"It is with great enthusiasm and pride that I announce the Kids First 2012 Slate for the Hoboken Board of Education:

• Ruthy McAllister
• Jean Marie Mitchell
• Tom Kluepfel

When it became apparent that we would have a spot available on our ticket, I approached Tom Kluepfel, an independent candidate, to run with me and Jean Marie. Tom Kluepfel, a Hoboken High parent, is one of the founders of the Elysian Charter School and served on its Board of Trustees for several years. Tom readily agreed as we all share similar goals for the district, a passion for the future of the Hoboken Public Schools and strong ethical beliefs about our duties as board trustees. The combination of my and Jean Marie's Board experience and Tom's energy and unique perspective will enable us to continue the progress begun by Kids First for the students and staff of the District!

Although I was saddened to hear that long time friend and colleague Theresa Minutillo decided not to seek re-election, I fully understand the need for her to take this time and focus on her family and career. I certainly appreciate her past efforts and the positive impact she had on the Hoboken Public Schools. I look forward to her continued support of the District and the Kids First 2012 ticket.

I am very excited about working together with Jean Marie and Tom, a great team for the students of Hoboken!

Kind Regards,
Ruthy McAllister"

From left to right Ruth McCallister and Theresa Minutillo

and here is Theresa Minutillo's brief note in her own words as to why she did not seek re-election...

"Dear Friends,

By now you have probably received Ruthy's press release announcing the Kids First slate for Nov. 2012. I wanted to give you my own brief explanation as to why I decided not to seek re-election.

It is with thoughtful consideration that I have decided not to seek re-election. After years of being able to balance the needs of my family, career and Board duties, I have discovered that I can no longer give the required time necessary for another three year term. I fully support the Hoboken Public School District, Dr. Toback's leadership and the board majority. I am proud of the accomplishments of the Kids First majority and grateful to everyone that supported me and Kids First these past six years. I look forward to continuing to be an active and devoted Wallace school parent and I am confident that the district and my child's education will be in great hands with a continued Kids First majority and the election of Ruth McAllister, Jean Marie Mitchell and Tom Kluepfel.

Sincerely,
Theresa Minutillo"

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Kids First Announces BOE Slate - Theresa Minutillo Not Seeking Re-election

Reader Poll - Is Beth Mason Truly Evil?

As editor of the Hoboken Journal I suspended actively putting up posts on this website to focus on www.theboken.com which is a community resource for Hoboken with a positive approach to notifying people about events around town. Besides, Nancy Pincus at Grafix Avenger blog (http://grafixavenger.blogspot.com) and Roman Brice at Mile Square View (http://www.hobokenhorse.com) are doing a fine job keeping the good governance movement in the loop about the underhanded tactics of the opposition to good governance as well as reporting on the good intentions and policy of the current Mayor Dawn Zimmer.

Photo Courtesy of MSV aka HobokenHorse website

With some other obligations that I have winding down it is perhaps time to rebuild my audience once again. Why not start with a simple unscientific poll. There have been reports of another political push poll that went around this weekend. Now I can't confirm this 100% but usually the only one who can afford a push poll is Beth Mason. Thus, I have featured Beth Mason in one of my comeback posts.

As councilwoman Beth Mason has done the following deeds that are an affront to the taxpaying Hoboken citizenry:

• Attacked Mayor Zimmer on TV, print, and policial smear website Hoboken 411 for being fiscally responsible and saving the HUMC Hospital.
• Tried to sabotage the HUMC sale and even had a lien against the organization for one of her ineffective and nonsensical lawsuits against it. 
• Voted against the bond that would have closed the deal for the Hospital. The Governor had to step in instead. Beth Mason then scrambled to cover her tracks with a bogus "minority council" deal (completely non-binding) because the bottom line was she was willing to have 1,000 people plus lose their jobs just to make the Mayor look bad. Its one thing to be on the wrong side of an issue it is quite another to then systemically lie about it after the fact.
• She pays Matt Callichio (as he stated under oath in a court of law) who has harassed a number of elected officials and supporters of Mayor Zimmer over the years. Now the most recent case did not meet a criminal level of harassment but the judge did not buy into Matt's testimony calling him a liar. 
• Questions have been raised about the filing status of 1200 Gallery which according to reports is rarely open as a gallery and appears to have political operatives on the payroll. Is this legit, is it a political organization, or a  tax shelter? These are legitimate questions and no transparency is coming from Beth Mason.
• Beth Mason once openly advocated to have her number 1 supporting website listed as the City's Official website back in 2009. Could you imagine if that was allowed to happen what the twisted "reporting" would be like coming out of City Hall?
• Any intelligent reading of her resume brings a reasonable person to conclude that it has more holes than Swiss cheese but the craziest thing I ever heard was that she claimed to be a part of the Goldman Sachs IPO when running for re-election in 2011. I heard this through a secondary source. 
• Purportedly tried to push legislation through with the intent to silence the blogs in Hoboken. Now Tim Occhipinti was the official sponsor of the  legislation but I do believe Beth Mason had a hand in it since there is no way Timmy could write that ordinance himself. Beth very likely paid someone to do it. Luckily it was tabled. What was that effort any? Stalinistic Russia? Russolini?
• Hoboken 411 has repeatedly gone after all of Beth Mason's political enemies yet has never ever uttered one negative word about her. EVER! If you think for one moment that there isn't a monetary relationship between those two I have a bridge to sell you for a dollar. Now that is just my opinion and I want to be careful here as Beth Mason might have the propensity to get a little SLAPP happy. After all, she has the money, the willingness to destroy her opponents. This is America and I am entitled to my opinion last time I checked. Hoboken 411 has done banner ads for her in the the past and his support of her is so 100% it is entirely plausible and actually quite possible that there is an arrangement. Can I prove it beyond a reasonable doubt? No. But do I believe it, absolutely yes.
• The worst part about the H411 hit jobs very likely sponsored by Beth Mason is that I believe it decreases public participation and that has a corrosive effect on our democracy. Now you could say the same thing about Grafix Avenger or Da Horsey but when they go after someone like Mike Russo its not like they are going after some regular citizen, but rather a person who showed a willingness to sell out Hoboken to Solomon Dwek. There is a big difference.

Now, obstructionism isn't necessarily evil, just political games. But the question I pose to the readers in the poll below is Beth Mason evil, a misguided politician or is she the greatest thing since sliced bread? I won't state my opinion but merely offer this non-scientific poll below as a response to Ms. Mason's purported "purple pillow plopping" push poll:

Online Surveys & Market Research

Note: It is my opinion that Beth Mason and certain members of the old guard have declared total war on good governance in Hoboken and this is simply me providing an insightful retort to the Machiavellian machinations of Ms. Mason and her Family Civic League little shop of horrors.


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Reader Poll - Is Beth Mason Truly Evil?

Sign Petitions Tonight August 7th on Voting Changes at 8th and Garden Street

 Update 8/7/2012:

Sign Petitions tonight at 807 Garden Street Tuesday August 7th from 7-9pm

In an effort to help with this drive if you are a registered voter in Hoboken and reside here currently (or even if you are not registered) feel free to stop by at 807 Garden Street tonight between 7-9pm and sign both petitions. If I am not outside ring buzzer #6 and I will come down. Alternately you can call me at 917-543-1187 or email me  kurt.gardiner@gmail.com. In signing both petitions you simply allow them to get on the ballot and let the people decide if we move elections to November and/or eliminate the unnecessary run off elections. Hopefully some of you will find my midtown location convenient.

Also Vijay Chaudhuri is available if you are located downtown.

Vijay is one of the very active petition drive volunteers and is willing to come to your home to get your signature. Reach out to him at vijay.chaudhuri@gmail.com if my location is too far.

As reported previously on MSV....

November petition effort will let the Hoboken people

decide when municipal elections are held

A petition that is circulating recently proposes a November referendum this fall giving voters in the coming presidential election a choice on when to hold Hoboken municipal elections.  Those elections are currently scheduled for May next spring.

If approved, the referendum will move municipal elections scheduled from May to later in the fall in November.

Separately, a second petition proposes ending runoff elections eliminating a costly expenditure for both taxpayers and candidates.  Three at-large council seats and the mayor would be affected in any switch likely decided this November by Hoboken voters.  If voters approve the measures, their terms would be extended in the one time switch from May to November next year.

Sign Petitions tonight at 807 Garden Street August 6th from 7-9pm

In an effort to help with this drive if you are a registered voter in Hoboken and reside here currently (or even if you are not registered) feel free to stop by at 807 Garden Street tonight between 7-9pm and sign both petitions. If I am not outside ring buzzer #6 and I will come down. Alternately you can call me at 917-543-1187 or email me  kurt.gardiner@gmail.com. In signing both petitions you simply allow them to get on the ballot and let the people decide if we move elections to November and/or eliminate the unnecessary run off elections. Hopefully some of you will find my midtown location convenient.

The petitions seek two important things:

1. Move the Hoboken municipal election from May to the general November election; and
2. Eliminate the run-off election, with the highest vote-getters being declared the winners.

These are petitions whose time has come:

1. Increase voter turnout! By having the election in November, it will encourage greater voter turnout. People know that voting in general elections in November are important, and the bigger the turnout, the fairer the election.
2. Reduce voter fatigue! Never again, will we have so many elections in a single year!
3. Reduce costs to taxpayers! By consolidating elections, we will save the taxpayers money. Each election costs more than $75,000. This year, the Board of Education elections were moved to November. Let's keep the momentum going and move the municipal elections to November too!
4. Reduce the costs to the candidates! By having not just one, but two municipal elections (the first round and the run-off), the costs are extraordinary. As a result, too often the candidates need to be independently wealthy, or beholden to special interests that expect payback after election day.

The deadline is looming and petitions are due on August 15th and about 1500 signatures are needed to ensure there is the correct number of approved petition signatures for both petitions.



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Sign Petitions Tonight August 7th on Voting Changes at 8th and Garden Street

Hoboken Quality of Life Coalition Urges Passage of the Transportation Bond Issue in Hoboken

The Hoboken Quality of Life Coalition urges the passage of the Transportation Bond Issue in Hoboken. This is coming up for potentially at the August 15th Hoboken City Council meeting. Read their note below urging the passage of this bond and try to ignore the shameless plug for Beth Mason who tried so hard to kill the Hospital deal and put Hoboken into bankruptcy for her own political gain. Thankfully Ms. Mason is inept with a puffed up resume and a trail of useless lawsuits. With that said The Mayor may need her vote for passsage....

Now is the time to approve the $1 million Transportation bond issue for safer Hoboken streets. Let’s Get Together and make it happen.

The Hoboken Quality of Life Coalition urges the passage of the Transportation Bond Issue. The City Council will have an opportunity at its August 15, 2012 meeting to approve the $1million bond issue that will lead to improvements of Washington , Newark Streets, Observer as well as Sinatra Drive. Six council votes are needed to move this bonding along. At the last meeting, the mayor’s allies were joined by Councilwoman Beth Mason in providing the sixth vote so that the issue goes to a second hearing. Thank you, Councilwoman.

It is hard for many of us who are not in the construction business to understand all if the work that has to be done before a jackhammer can start tearing up cement to take way for new roadway or the installation of new traffic signals. It takes money and time to create explicit engineering plans and accurate projection of costs to get anything started. Money has to be spent to develop those plans. That is what the $1 million bond issue will provide. A municipality has to have plans with input and review by its citizens in order to apply for and receive the future grants that will ultimately get the construction going.

There are other questions that will arise before a vote can be taken. Why go for bonding at this time? We all know that the best time to get a mortgage or to renegotiate an existing mortgage is when interest rates are low. The same advice is true for municipal bonding. It is bargain time. Rates will hardly go lower so NOW is the time to bond. The council should not allow the city to lose out on this opportunity.

The Quality of Life Coalition urges a unanimous vote of approval at the meeting on August 15, 2012. A large number of Hobokenites will be away on vacation at that time, so we need to let our council persons know that they should not miss this opportunity. A YES vote is a good decision from a council looking to the betterment of the city at a low cost.

Helen Manogue, Coordinator
Hoboken Quality of Life Coalition, Inc.

Frances Jennings, Asst. Coordinator
Melissa Abernathy, Secretary
Bill Tobias, Treasurer
Eduardo Gonzalez, Asst. Treasurer
Tom Chartier, P.E.
Ines Garcia Keim
Brad Miller, P.E., PP
Paul Neshamkin

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Hoboken Quality of Life Coalition Urges Passage of the Transportation Bond Issue in Hoboken

Photo of the Day Reader Submission - Shipyard Pier Park Fountain

The photo was captured at Shipyard Piers Park, Hoboken and was submitted by a reader Clifford and Susan Rumpf of Imagine This Design Photography. It is a very inventive example of creative composition. Thanks Cliff for this great submission.

Contact Information for the Artist:

Clifford Rumpf
Imagine This Design
Website: imaginethisdesign.com
Email: clifford_rumpf@imaginethisdesign.com ◦

Photo of the Day Reader Submission - Shipyard Pier Park Fountain

Supreme Court Ruling Upholds ObamaCare

This was sent in from Joshua Henne of Whitehorse Strategies on the Supreme Courts Landmark ruling on ObamaCare....

U.S. SUPREME COURT UPHOLDS OBAMACARE

Ruling Ensures Americans Get to Keep Their Health Care Benefits

(NEW JERSEY) - - Today's Supreme Court ruling upholding ObamaCare – agreed on by both Republican and Democratic Justices – is a tremendous victory for all Americans. This is good news because people can continue to get the affordable healthcare and insurance coverage they need and deserve.

Senior citizens remain safe from the prescription drug donut hole and can continue to receive free preventative care. People of all ages are still protected from being at the mercy of big insurance companies and can't be denied coverage because of pre-existing conditions. And young adults have a brighter future because they can still stay on their parents’ insurance until age 26.

“In 2010, The Affordable Care Act was signed, sealed and delivered by President Obama….and today it has rightly been upheld by the United States Supreme court,” said Joshua Henne, New Jersey spokesman for Know Your Care. “This ruling should also mark the end of partisan attacks and fighting over ObamaCare. It is time for everyone to join together and move forward to fully implement the law.”

As of March 2012, over 173,000 New Jerseyans have saved nearly $133 million since 2011 due to the Affordable Care Act. The average savings per beneficiary in New Jersey has been $768 – which is higher than the national average of $635. Nationwide, over that time, 5.1 million Americans have saved over $3.23 billion.

Earlier this Spring, Governor Chris Christie vetoed state-based health insurance exchange legislation that would have provided access to affordable, quality care to 1.3 million New Jerseyans. Christie said he was punting on this much-needed bill due to the impending case coming before the Supreme Court. In light of today’s upholding of the Affordable Care Act, New Jersey residents, families and small businesses shouldn’t have to wait any longer to be able to shop for health insurance.

Below are some facts on what the Affordable Care Act has already done:

• Expanded access to insurance: 3.1 million young adults are insured because of the ACA.
• Closed the "donut hole": More than 5.2 million Medicare beneficiaries saved more than $5.2 billion on prescription drugs because of the ACA.
• Provided seniors with free preventive services: More than 32.5 million seniors received preventive care like mammograms and colonoscopies for free in 2011. And 14.3 million have already received at least one preventive service at no cost during the first five months of 2012.
• Kept children healthy and insured: As many as 17 million children with pre-existing conditions already cannot be denied coverage nor have lifetime limits placed on their coverage.
• Expanded preventive care: Approximately 86 million Americans received no-cost preventive care services such as mammograms and colonoscopies.
• Expanded coverage for those with pre-existing conditions: About 60,000 Americans who were denied coverage now have insurance through the Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Plan.
• Stopped unreasonable premium increases: Now, insurance companies must publicly justify raising rates by 10 percent or more. HHS has granted millions of dollars to states to bolster their ability to stop unreasonable premium increases.
• Held insurers accountable for excessive profits: Insurers must now spend 80 percent of premium dollars on health care coverage and not advertising or executive bonuses. State regulators reported that some companies “have not applied for premium increases and are making adjustments to lower premiums.”
• Eliminated lifetime limits: 105 million Americans no longer have lifetime limits to their insurance coverage.

The Affordable Care Act was signed into law by President Barack Obama on March 23rd, 2010. Over the past two years, it has been a tremendous help to millions of Americans as this real reform lowers costs and guarantees more choice for consumers. As additional provisions are implemented, ACA will continue to benefit millions more people.

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Supreme Court Ruling Upholds ObamaCare