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Missouri Senate advances measure letting voters have their say on federal health care mandate
May 4, 2010
As hundreds of Missourians rallied for health care freedom at the Missouri Capitol, the Republican-led State Senate today passed legislation that will allow Missourians to vote on whether the federal government should fine them for making certain health care choices.
Lt. Governor Peter Kinder commended the work of Senate Majority Floor Leader, Sen. Kevin Engler, R-Farmington, Sen. Scott Rupp, R-St. Charles, and Sen. Jane Cunningham, R-Chesterfield. Together, they were able to break a filibuster to lead to the passage of the Health Care Freedom Act.
“I applaud the efforts of the Missouri General Assembly to ensure that Missourians have the opportunity to vote on a health care bill that I believe is blatantly unconstitutional,” said Kinder. “Democrats in Washington ignored the will of the people when they passed their intrusive and overbearing health care bill, but now, Missourians will be able to make their voices heard.”
The Health Care Freedom Act as amended would, upon voter approval, provide that no federal law shall compel a patient, employer, or health care provider to participate in any government or privately run health care system, nor prohibit a patient or employer from paying directly for legal health care services.
Sen. Jane Cunningham drafted the legislative language that will give Missourians a say in the health care bill. “Today is a historic day for the state,” said Sen. Cunningham. “Over the past year, Missourians have stood up and said ‘enough is enough.’ Now they will have the opportunity to make their voices heard at the ballot box.”
Sen. Scott Rupp sponsored the bill that includes the health care provision. “I took an oath to protect and defend the Constitution and to protect the rights and freedoms of all Missourians,” said Sen. Rupp. “I am proud to be the Senate handler of this very important legislation that fulfills that oath.”
“Missourians deserve to vote to affirm their right to make their own healthcare decisions,” said Sen. Engler. “We must give Missourians the opportunity to make it clear to the federal government that they do not support this one-size-fits-all mandate.”
When passed by the House, voters will have the final say in federal control of health care.
Talking Points
Democrats' health care takeover
After months of secret backroom deals and arm-twisting, Nancy Pelosi forced a massive, costly, and ineffective government-run health care onto an unwilling nation.The Democrats’ bill does nothing to control costs; in fact, it will raise taxes by at least $3.9 billion in 2019, raise premiums, slash Medicare, and force a one-size-fits-all health care mandate on more than 300 million people.
Since passage, several companies have announced that the health care bill will cost them billions of dollars, and the Congressional Research Service confirmed Republican warnings that the bill allows convicted sex offenders, including pedophiles and rapists, to receive taxpayer-subsidized medication for erectile dysfunction.
Americans have consistently made their opposition to the bill known, but Democrats ignored their wishes. In fact, nearly two-thirds of Missourians oppose the Democrats’ health care bill.
Republicans in Missouri have taken action—Lt. Gov. Kinder is filing a lawsuit against the federal government, and in August, Missouri’s sent an clear message to Washington by passing Proposition C by 71% of the vote.
In November, Democrats across the nation and in Missouri paid for abusing their power and ignoring the will of the American people.
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