March 3, 2010 – Stamford Mayor Dan Malloy, a potential candidate for Governor, today responded to Republican gubernatorial candidate Tom Foley’s assertion that Connecticut should consider eliminating health-care related mandates, specifically pointing to ones that require employers to provide wigs to people undergoing chemotherapy, and to require the same level of coverage for mental health treatment as they do medical.

“This is really what Tom Foley thinks we ought to do?  Have a conversation about eliminating insurance coverage for people undergoing chemotherapy and people battling mental illness?  Good grief.  It’s no secret that Connecticut will have some tough budget decisions in the months and years ahead – but that doesn’t mean we should throw common sense and compassion out the window.

“First, Tom indicated we should consider eliminating the mandates…then he seemed to say that it might be the Legislature that should do it…then he seemed to not really understand what he was saying.

“It’s disappointing that someone running for public office can have this many positions on one subject in such a short period of time.  Connecticut needs people running government who actually have an understanding and belief in what good government can do – like mandating coverage for things that matter to those most in need.”