‘The Commonwealth of Massachusetts ‘State Senate Republican Caucus State House, Boston, M7 02133-1054 His Excelleney Deval L. Patrick, Governor Office ofthe Governor State House, Room 360 Boston, MA 02133, Dear Governor Patrick, ‘The health and wellness of those served by the Massachusetts Health Connector are of critical concem to us, The Health Connector Board and its members are integrally involved in all policy, regulatory, and program decisions; the actions ofthe board havea significant impact ‘on the Commonwealth. In recent days, news sources have brought to the public’ attention statements made by Professor Jonathan Gruber, a board member, calling forthe use of deceit and surreptitiousness in developing public policy Professor Gruber made these statements about manipulating public knowledge of health insurance legislation: the “lack of transparency [being] a huge political advantage” during the debate and passage ofthe Affordable Care Act (“ACA”), and the “stupidity of the American voter...as really, really citical forthe thing to pass.” We are calling forthe immediate removal of Professor Gruber as a member ofthe ‘Massachusetts Health Connector Board; the Commonwealth should sever any contractual obligations with him, Professor Gruber’s comments are not only indirect opposition to those of us who seek to expand public trust in government they cll into question his ability to aet impartially and in a ‘manner that upholds the integrity of the Health Connector Board. Professor Gruber's advocacy for an ideology founded in deceit should have no place in our government, If Professor Gruber remains on the board, the confidence of residents of the Commonvvealth will be Further eroded. Many have observed that there are notable issues with regards to transparency with the Health Connector including; the eost ofthe transition to comply with the ACA, and whether Health Connestor officials misled federal officials in order to keep federal funds. The Boston Herald recently reported thatthe controversial remarks made by Professor Gruber were not “even on the radar screen” of the Health Conneetor. We think the substance of Professor Gruber’s remarks intentionally misleading the public should be on the fadar screen of the Health Connector as they are forall who seek to secure an honest ‘government,Professor Gruber’s comments were reprehensible, repugnant and demonstrate a level of disdain forthe Americen public that has no place in government and should not have any place ‘on the Health Coniaector Board. ‘The residents ofthe Commonvscalth should have faith that what they are being (old by their eleced officials and representatives of elected officials is the truth and nota sleight of hand to deliberately mislead the public to achieve their political goal. tis ‘ur contention that Professor Gruber should immediately resign as a member ofthe Health Connector Board. ‘We are ready to work with the Health Connector to ensure that the residents ofthe ‘Commonwealth are able to obtain health coverage. The comments made by Professor Gruber should be concerning (o everyone and they should result in his dismissal, “Thank you for your attention to this mater Sincerely, BL Caacwb Brice E, Tarr Robert L. Hedlund State Senator State Senator Richard J. Ross ze. F Hasyn ‘State Senator State Senator