John Gregg Gave Himself Free Healthcare For Life, Forcing Hoosiers To Pick Up The Tab

June 29, 2016

Shortly before he called it quits as an Indiana legislator in 2002, John Gregg came up with a way by which he could profit from elected office and fleece Indiana taxpayers. Gregg made it so he, his family and other politicians got free healthcare for life, and forced Hoosiers to pay for it at a time when the state was struggling. Gregg then said his lifetime perk was well “deserved.” And, according to reports, the coverage has cost taxpayers $200,000 thus far for just Gregg and his family, and will cost another $36,000 this year. John Gregg will fight to get himself a special perk, but won’t fight for Indiana taxpayers.

“Democratic House Speaker John Gregg was on his way out the door when he signed a two-page letter instituting a controversial lifetime health care benefit for retired lawmakers that he is still taking advantage of today. He announced he was not seeking re-election in February 2002. A few months later, he and GOP Senate President Pro Tem Robert Garton quietly implemented the perk that later cost Garton his seat in the Senate. Gregg – now running for governor against Gov. Mike Pence – and his wife receive benefits from the plan. Previously, his ex-wife and sons did as well. Gregg declined to be interviewed about the program he helped create….” (Niki Kelly, “Deserved Park Hangs Over Gregg,” Journal Gazette, 6/29/2016)

“A Tuesday evening report from political blogger Abdul Hakim-Shabazz said the overall cost to taxpayers for Gregg and his family has been about $200,000, with an additional $36,000 this year.” (Niki Kelly, “Deserved Park Hangs Over Gregg,” Journal Gazette, 6/29/2016

“Gregg said in a 2003 report that “I didn’t have any problem signing off on it. I think it’s a benefit that’s deserved.’ At the time the policy was put in place, the state was struggling with a drop in tax revenue and many private-sector businesses were capping or ending post-retirement health care for retirees.” (Niki Kelly, “Deserved Park Hangs Over Gregg,” Journal Gazette, 6/29/2016)