Sat Jul 31 2010
by Marc Kovac
Capital Bureau Chief
Columbus -- Voters would decide whether to amend the state constitution to stop the federal government from requiring individuals and employers to purchase health insurance, under a resolution introduced in the Ohio Senate.
Sen. Tim Grendell, R-Chesterland, offered Senate Joint Resolution 7 after hearing constituents' repeated concerns about the possibility of being forced by the federal government to purchase health care.
"The federal government has never forced all Americans to purchase any product because not only is it dangerous but, as a constitutional lawyer by trade, I can tell you it is unconstitutional," Grendell told members of the Senate's Insurance, Commerce and Labor Committee Tuesday. "Unfortunately, with the federal government constantly attempting to gain additional power over the lives of citizens, we... must take a stand to protect our citizens from the abuses of the national government." The resolution would require a three-fifths vote of both the Senate and House to place it on a future election ballot. March 2 marked its first hearing in the Senate.
The resolution reads, "A law or rule shall not compel, directly or indirectly, any person, employer, or health care provider to participate in any health care system." It also would prohibit fines and penalties against those who opt not to purchase health care services.
"In light of Congress' continued persistence in passing hasty health care reform, despite 56 percent of voters opposing it, I believe it is important that we act now to protect Ohio's citizens from the federal government's attempt to overreach its powers," Grendell said. "SJR 7 offers Ohio citizens the protection from the federal government they want, and it places Ohio in an advantageous position to defend its state powers."
Marc Kovac is the Dix Capital Bureau Chief. E-mail him at mkovac@dixcom.com or on Twitter at Ohio Capital Blog.
Comments
By Posting to this site, you agree to our Terms of Service Be polite.
Inappropriate posts may be removed.
Tallmadgeexpress.com doesn't necessarily condone the comments here, nor does it review every post.
Login above or Register to comment.
0 Total Comments Home | Back
Copyright Record Publishing Co, LLC. 1995-2010. All Rights Reserved.
Content may not be republished without the expressed written consent of the publisher.
Content may not be republished without the expressed written consent of the publisher.
Dix Communications