Rep. Jim Christiana (R-Beaver) issued the following statement in response to today’s decision by a Pennsylvania court ordering the state to transfer $800 million from its general fund back into the Medical Care Availability and Reduction of Error (MCare) account.

“Today, a great injustice was undone when a state court ruled the return of $800 million which was stolen last year from the MCare fund to balance the state budget. Mcare, which physicians contribute to, helps them pay their malpractice premiums. This money must be returned to its rightful owners - Pennsylvania physicians.

“I, for one, was completely against raiding the MCare fund in the first place. This money was set aside for one reason and one reason only; to assist physicians in the Commonwealth who may be sued for malpractice.

“Those who voted in favor of using MCare to balance our state budget were warned many times that doing so was immoral and would likely not stand up in court, causing a huge gap in our budget. These warnings were essentially ignored, particularly by Democrat leaders in the House. Now, we find ourselves with yet another hole from which to dig ourselves out.

“I am happy that Pennsylvania physicians stood up for what is rightfully theirs. This money belongs to them and I fully support today’s decision to return it to the Mcare fund.”