Orrin Hatch

Former Utah Governor—and leader of Mitt Romney's transition team—Mike Leavitt thanks Senator Hatch for his leadership in the fight to reform Medicaid.

"Utah benefits from your service in the United States Senate. Not only do you have the vision and ideas for Medicaid reform, but, as Ranking Member of the Senate Finance Committee, you are in a key leadership position to make historic reform happen. Utah and our country need you for this important endeavor."

Read the full letter below.

Dear Orrin:

During my frequent visits with health care and elected leaders from around the country I've been reminded of your efforts to advance meaningful health reform. I wanted to take this opportunity to thank you.

Medicaid spending now consumes nearly a quarter of state government budgets and is a significant driver of the fiscal crisis facing many states. I have seen Medicaid spending consistently crowd out other vital state needs such as transportation and education. I take comfort in knowing that as a Ranking Member of the Senate Finance Committee, and hopefully as the Committee Chairman in 2013, you can advance Medicaid reform in a manner that provides fiscal relief to states and the federal government.

I am aware of the letter you and Chairman Upton sent to every governor in the country to solicit feedback and ideas on how to make Medicaid work better. The consensus recommendations for comprehensive Medicaid reform developed by the nation's governors are as innovative as they are prudent. It is right that you recommend this approach to the Joint Select Committee. If they fail to act, I encourage you to still champion these reforms, hopefully as Senate Finance Committee Chairman in 2013.

Utah benefits from your service in the United States Senate. Not only do you have the vision and ideas for Medicaid reform, but, as Ranking Member of the Senate Finance Committee, you are in a key leadership position to make historic reform happen. Utah and our country need you for this important endeavor.

Thanks for your friendship and support over the years. Keep up the great work.

Sincerely,
Michael O. Leavitt

Secretary, Health and Human Services (2005-2009)
Administrator, Environmental Protection Agency (2003-2005)
Governor, State of Utah (1993-2003)

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