RICHMOND—
Virginia's General Assembly has become the first state legislature to tell the Obama administration that a mandatory national health insurance plan won't play in the Old Dominion.The Senate-amended House Bill 10 breezed though the House Wednesday, 80 to 17, with plenty of support from Democrats. Governor Robert McDonnell told CBS-6 Wednesday that he'll sign it.
"We never gave Washington the power to force us to buy any products of any kind," said Del. Charles Poindexter, (R-9th District). "Insurance is a product. They're saying I have to buy insurance." He's proud that Virginia was the first state to strongly take a stand.
This Constitutional sticking point is being considered by more than 30 other state legislatures as national health care reform bills limp forward, seemingly on life support.
But opponents of the measure say Virginia is "getting the cart before the horse," said state Sen. David Marsden (D-37th District). "What if, strangely enough," a health care reform plan everyone likes gets passed in Washington, he asked. "And there's Virginia with a bill saying we can't do it. Here we are, looking foolish."
The measure is largely symbolic, supporters concede, since federal laws generally trump those enacted by states.
But "we made a strong statement today," said Del. Todd Gilbert (R-15th District). Beyond the personal liberties issue, he said, "we don't believe what they tell us in Washington when they say it's going to cut costs or reduce our deficit. We think that's absolutely ridiculous."
But laborer Calvin Faulk, who has a pre-existing medical condition, said Virginia shouldn't kick health care reform to the curb. "I'm in a position where I don't even have health care. If Virginia is going to block me from trying to acquire health care . . . it's sad."
Mike Hurley, who owns a local business, is pleased legislators just said no. "I don't think the federal government should force me to buy anything."
Hurley proudly noted Virginia's motto, Sic Semper Tyrannis (Thus Always To Tyrants). "And when the federal government becomes tyrants,' he said, "we throw them off."
