RGA Releases New Video In Maryland Governor’s Race Highlighting Ben Jealous’s Costly Support For Single-Payer

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Republican Governors Association released a new video in the Maryland governor’s race today, highlighting how Democrat gubernatorial candidate Ben Jealous’s radical healthcare plan would force “every man, woman and child” in the state to pay a $2,800 tax. It’s more proof that Jealous is just another big spender pushing even bigger tax hikes.

“Jealous’s support for Single-Payer would hurt the pocketbooks and wallets of every Marylander,” said RGA Spokesman Steven Yaffe. “It represents more than a year’s worth of school supplies for two children, 20 months of utility bills, or five year’s worth of diapers. The Ben Jealous tax would hit Maryland families hard, and they should be worried that a major party candidate is so openly embracing such a massive tax hike.”

Watch the RGA’s new video here: https://youtu.be/soFpnQVZSdQ

BACKGROUND:

Ben Jealous’ single-payer healthcare plan could cost Maryland $24 billion a year, and require a $2,800 fee for every man, woman and child.
Baltimore Sun, July 17, 2018: “State-sponsored health insurance for all Marylanders such as the single-payer plan proposed by Democratic gubernatorial nominee Ben Jealous could cost $24 billion a year, forcing lawmakers to significantly raise taxes, according to a nonpartisan analysis… Maryland would have to levy a 10 percent payroll tax against every business and charge a $2,800 fee for every man, woman and child to pay for a new health care system in which doctors bill the state instead of private insurance companies.” (Source: “Maryland analysts: Single-payer health care, proposed by Jealous, could cost state $24 billion a year,” Baltimore Sun, July 17, 2018)

$2,800 is enough to buy a year’s worth of school supplies for two children.
NBC News, August 31, 2017: “This year the supply list for an elementary school student costs about $650, up from an inflation-adjusted $375 in 2006, according to the annual Huntington Bank’s Backpack Index, which tracks the change in a representative basket of goods over time. A middle-school student might run $1,000; up from $525. And sending a fully equipped high-schooler off to class can cost nearly $1,500 — compared to $800 just 10 years ago. All together that’s an average of about $1,000 — nearly the same as the average U.S. monthly mortgage payment.” (Source: “Back-to-School Supplies Cost as Much as Average Mortgage,” NBC News, August 31, 2017)

$2,800 is enough to buy 20 months of utility bills.
Smart Asset, May 21, 2018:  “According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, the average monthly utility bill in Maryland is $139.68.” (Source: “What is the Cost of Living in Maryland?”, Smart Asset, May 21, 2018)

$2,800 is enough to buy 5 years of diapers.
Investopedia, August 1, 2017: “The average child will use more than 2,700 diapers in the first year alone, which can add up to more than $550 (based on an average price of $0.20 per disposable diaper).” (Source: “Budgeting for a New Baby,” Investopedia, August 1, 2017)