Mar
22
Written by:
William Lutz
3/22/2010 11:28 AM
Attorney General Greg Abbott announced he'll join with other states in mounting a legal challenge to President Barack Obama's health care bill. "The federal health care legislation passed tonight violates the United States Constitution and unconstitutionally infringes upon Texans' individual liberties," said Abbott in a statement issued Sunday evening right after the vote. "To protect all Texans' constitutional rights, preserve the constitutional framework intended by our nation's founders, and defend our state from further infringement by the federal government, the State of Texas and other states will legally challenge the federal health care legislation."
"Today's action by Congress is a slap in the face to the clear majority of Texans, and Americans, who demand real health care reform resulting from an open and transparent process and that truly fixes a broken system," said Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst. "Instead, this federal plan costs Texas taxpayers $2.4 billion per year and could force the state to redirect spending away from priority items such as education, public safety and road construction, just to cover the unfunded, unaffordable mandates in this bill. I will continue to fight for affordable, accessible health care that does not increase costs or taxes on hard working Texas families and truly improves the quality of care."
Said Sen. Jane Nelson (R-Flower Mound): "I am deeply concerned about the impact this fiscally irresponsible plan will have on our state budget. There are better ways to improve health care access. The new federal mandates will exacerbate our medical work force shortages and harm small businesses at a time when many are struggling to survive. I also worry about the impact these reforms will have on the quality of health care for our citizens."
The health care bill does have a supporter in the Texas Legislature -- Rep. Garnet Coleman (D-Houston). "We got it done. With President Obama's signature, health care coverage will be the law of the land," he said. "Thanks to the members of Texas' Democratic Congressional Delegation for providing the votes and the hard work that got reform across the finish line. Their votes will help clean up the health care crisis in Texas that Rick Perry and Republican leaders have refused to address. After years of being victimized by the colossal abuses of the health care status-quo, Texans and Americans scored a victory. The health care legislation passed today will give health insurance access to 31 million Americans and most of our state's 6 million uninsured residents. Today's accomplishments take the advantage away from the insurance companies and put it back in the hands of Texans and the American people. No longer will Americans be driven into debt by health care costs, be denied coverage based on a preexisting condition, and be indiscriminately dropped from their policy when they’re sick and need it most. Because of our dismal health standings, Texas stands to gain the most from this legislation. I intend to work hard to ensure that this legislation is implemented effectively in our state, so that quality health care becomes more affordable and more accessible for all of our families. This legislation moves Texas and America forward. Our country is back on the right path."
Abbott was just one of many Texas elected officials who blasted the health care bill last night."Unfortunately, the health care vote had more to do with expanding socialism on American soil than it does fixing our health care finance and delivery systems," said Gov. Rick Perry. "The Obama health care bill undermines patient choice, personal responsibility, medical innovation and fiscal responsibility in America. As passed by the U.S. House, the bill will cost Texas taxpayers billions more, and drive our nation much deeper into debt. Congress's backroom deals and parliamentary maneuvers undermined the public trust and increased cynicism in our political process. Texas leaders will continue to do everything in our power to fight this federal excess and find ways to protect our families, taxpayers and medical providers from this gross federal overreach."
Rep. Wayne Christian (R-Center) -- president of the Texas Conservative Coalition -- announced he will file legislation to prohibit the implementation of the health care bill in Texas. "The first bill I file in advance of the 82nd session will be to ensure that Texans retain the freedom of choice when it comes to their health care, even if their choice is to remain uncovered," he said. "We recognize that our efforts to reject ObamaCare may end up in federal courts, and may ultimately be decided by the U.S. Supreme Court. So be it. It is time states reassert their constitutional rights and Texas should be on the forefront of the movement."