Mayor DeStefano has often described Jodi Rell’s approach to the problems that face Connecticut as a press release and a band aide. She frequently holds one position until it becomes unpopular and at the last moment changes her position.

The latest example is in the continuing battle to obtain the rates that HMOs covering Medicaid patients pay. Medicaid is the largest single item in the state’s budget and it needs better accountability. Back in on August 16th, Mayor DeStefano wrote a letter to Rell “asking for the immediate release of documents which will disclose how $626 million of taxpayers money is being annually spent by Connecticut HMO’s.” The City of New Haven joined with other New Haven organizations in filing a freedom of information request for this data.

Today, the Courant reports that Rell is finally ordering the release of this information. Mayor DeStefano is proactively seeking for ways to address health and budget issues that address our state. Rell’s approach to the issues we face are reactive and slow at best.

Perhaps now, we can learn a little more clearly the cost of the press releases and band aides that Rell chooses to release.

Gov. M. Jodi Rell signed a bill (passed in the Hartford legislature by both the House and Senate with veto proof majorities) to extend the HUSKY program by an additional three months. The HUSKY program is designed to provide healthcare for the working poor. In order to continue coverage for the next two years, the cost would reach $68 million. The Courant quotes Gov. Rell on the funding issues:

"If they want to spend an additional $68 million, we have to have $68 million in cuts to pay for it," Rell said Thursday. She said the short-term extension "sets us up for having expectations that I'm not sure the legislature is going to be able to fulfill, and that is a problem. And it will be their problem."

Is it really their problem? Or is it the problem of the thousands of families in Connecticut who despite working full time still cannot afford healthcare? With a tough budget battle ahead, is this a fight Democrats can win?