“Restoring funding for the PAAD and Senior Gold programs demonstrates that Governor Christie is committed to exploring viable ways to offset budget reductions for next year.  The administration should be commended for its diligent pursuit of finding non-tax related funding sources that will help our senior citizens who participate in these programs,” said DeCroce, R-Morris and Passaic.

            “Senior citizens will pay less for the drugs they need without another disastrous tax on New Jersey’s small businesses,” stated Bramnick, R-Union, Essex, Morris and Somerset. “While Democratic legislators craft a new business tax, Governor Christie has found a way to address seniors’ concerns without increasing taxes, which would prevent businesses from adding the jobs that will benefit everyone.”

            Additional funding for the PAAD and Senior Gold program was obtained due to increases in rebate collections from drug manufacturers, higher utilization of generic drugs, expanded eligibility for enrollment in Medicare Part D’s Low Income Subsidy Program and manufacturer discounts in Medicare Part D “donut hole.”