In a contentious hearing Thursday morning in the House State Affairs Committee, the Idaho Health Freedom Act (IFHA), sponsored by Rep. Jim Clark, R-Hayden, and co-sponsored by Rep. Raul Labrador, R-Eagle, and Rep. Lynn Luker, R-Boise, passed the committee on a 13-5 party line vote.
During his testimony before the committee, Clark said bill would enable Idahoans to choose their own medical services and insurance and free Idahoans from excessive regulation by the federal government. The bill would also give the state more standing in court, should the time come that the state needs to sue, said Clark.
The potential fiscal impact of the bill is $100,000, but that amount might not be necessary. Clark, in previous hearings on the matter, said the projection was added only as a precautionary measure. The money would only be needed should the attorney general’s office need to hire additional staff to handle any litigation, but the money is guaranteed to be appropriated.
Rep. Elfreda Higgins, D-Garden City, expressed concern about the possible addition to the state’s budget in a year of budget cuts. Higgins said that as the Legislature considers reductions to education funding and other essential programs, it would be irresponsible to add any amount to the state budget. Higgins also expressed concern about cost becoming an annually recurring one should a lawsuit against the federal government drag on for an extended period of time.
Clark responded saying “our rights are worth more than $100,000 per year.”
Higgins wasn’t the only Democrat on the panel to voice criticism over the measure. Rep. Phylis King, D-Boise, said health reform is needed in this country and that Idaho should work with the federal government to develop acceptable reforms.
“Idaho, last time I looked, is part of this nation,” said King emphatically. “This needs to be a nationwide solution.” King said that the people and companies of the nation are hurting from the lack of health insurance reform and something must be done remedy the situation.
Jonathan Parker, executive director for the Idaho Republican Party, testified before the committee, stating that the Idaho GOP central committee had already passed a resolution supporting the concept behind the IHFA legislation. Parker said he was not in attendance to advocate for or against the bill, but simply to inform the committee on the actions of the state GOP. He added that he had been invited by Clark to testify before the panel.
Reps. Elaine Smith, D-Pocatello, Mary Lou Sheperd, D-Wallace, Anne Pasley-Stuart, D-Boise, King, and Higgins all voted against the measure.
Following the vote, Pasley-Stuart expressed her dissatisfaction with the handling of the legislative process on the bill.
“I am disappointed in the political nature of the discussion,” said Pasley-Stuart. “I am deeply sorry this became so politicized.” She took particular exception with the presence of Parker, saying that while he is a fine gentleman, she didn’t much appreciate his presence in the hearing room.
[...] Read the full article: Despite contentious hearing, panel passes Idaho Health Freedom Act. [...]
As a native Idahoan, I want to thank my legislators that put Idaho before the federal government. I believe in smaller government and I am definately opposed to a public option. This should give us more leverage! Thank you so much! I will remember who you are when elections come around. As for those who voted against it, you shall be remembered as well. Shame on you for putting your party lines ahead of us Idahoans.
[...] Idaho Reporter has a story on a hearing in the House State Affairs Committee on the Idaho Health Freedom Act (IFHA). Rep. Jim Clark, R-Hayden, said the legislation would give the state standing to sue the federal [...]
I might relocate my family and business to Idaho if the Federal government keeps trying to implement Soviet style health care. I think what you guys did is fabulous and serves as a model for the rest of the country.
Kudos!
[...] (Note: You can read IdahoReporter.com’s coverage on the bill here.) [...]
I feel sorry for the people of Idaho which ranks towards the bottom of every thing education,wages,etc what the Republicans
have done to this state is amazing and that the people have allowed it is even more amazing.People in Idaho have low wages
if their working NO HEALTH CARE for most and just a backwards place to live to bad we cant move Idaho between N.Carolina and S.Carolina it would fit perfect.
Apparently, some folks will show the effects of the Public Education system. While lamentable, they are probably a lot less onerous than the effects of Obamacare.
In Colorado, we are dominated by Democrats in all branches of government, so we the people are working towards the same ends as your legislature.
Thomas Jefferson said, “The several states composing the United States of America are not united on the principle of unlimited submission to their general government”
Our nation was founded by patriots that moved here to escape the oppression or outright tyranny of big centralized government. Why don’t people demand the fair tax, teaching civics warning of the dangers of big government (not some politically correct version),and term limits of all politicians to ensure they have to become private citizens and live under the same rules and regulations they pass on the rest of us? Also, how about term limits for the Supreme Court too. Why is it constitutional for local and state politicians to be limited when it is unconstitutional (they say) to limit national politicians? Could it be because the Supreme Ct. is appointed by politicians at the national level, and are thus beholden to them? Maybe it would be good to also have the right to hold special recall elections to remove bad politicians from office when they do things to harm our freedom. If I am not mistaken, they do it in Canada. Why depend on corrupt politicians to impeach and throw their own kind out? KUDOS TO IDAHO!!!!!
[...] Tuesday’s hearing on the bill was not the first contentious hearing on the issue. Click here to read about another meeting in the House that ended in controversy over the Idaho Health Freedom [...]
If we have to cut dollars for education and parks and rec where in world are we getting the money to sue the federal government for helping people who aren’t rich. Are you using my tax dollars when I totally support this bill soon to become law?
Ole Boy System of Idaho–you are all rich and have jobs or great retirement. How many low-income kids are in the Charter State Schools? How many low-income kids are in the “Alternative Schools?” From what I remember of my education studies in the University of Missouri that could be coined “Tracking.” Isn’t that a federal offense!!! Watch what you ask for the Federal Government may counter suit Idaho!