Illinois, Florida fight against health care takeover

Illinois is starting a health care trail of victory.

From John Miller of The Associated Press on March 17:

Idaho first to sign law aimed at health care plan

BOISE, Idaho -- Idaho took the lead in a growing, nationwide fight against health care overhaul Wednesday when its governor became the first to sign a measure requiring the state attorney general to sue the federal government if residents are forced to buy health insurance.

Similar legislation is pending in 37 other states.

Constitutional law experts say the movement is mostly symbolic because federal laws supersede those of the states.

But the state measures reflect a growing frustration with President President [sic] Barack Obama's health care overhaul. The proposal would cover some 30 million uninsured people, end insurance practices such as denying coverage to those with pre-existing conditions, require almost all Americans to get coverage by law, and try to slow the cost of medical care nationwide.

Democratic leaders hope to vote on it this weekend.

Read more.

I've got a reason to be happy in Florida, because my state is one of the 37 that has similar legislation pending, as mentioned in the article. S.R. 72 seeks to amend Florida's Constitution "to preserve the freedom of Florida residents to provide for their own health care by:

Ensuring that any person, employer, or health care provider is not compelled to participate in any health care system;

Authorizing a person or employer to pay directly, without using a third party such as an insurer or employer, for health care services without incurring penalties or fines; and

Authorizing a health care provider to accept direct payment for health care services without incurring penalties or fines.

The joint resolution also prohibits a law or rule from prohibiting the purchase or sale of health insurance in private health care systems and specifies certain aspects of health care that are not affected by this constitutional amendment. The joint resolution also defines terms that are used within the proposed constitutional amendment. The joint resolution includes the statement that is to be placed on the ballot for the upcoming statewide election."

Click here to read an analysis of the bill.

However, before Floridians get their hopes up, there's something everyone should know:

No hearings have been scheduled for this bill.

You know what this means, right? Call Tallahassee and tell the Senate to take up the proposal! Click here for a list of representatives to contact.