The Democratic-controlled Virginia State Senate has stuck a sword through the heart of ObamaCare:
RICHMOND — Virginia’s Democratic-controlled state Senate passed measures Monday that would make it illegal to require individuals to purchase health insurance, a direct challenge to the party’s efforts in Washington to reform health care.
The bills, a top priority of Virginia’s “tea party” movement, were approved 23 to 17 as five Democrats who represent swing areas of the state joined all 18 Republicans in the chamber in backing the legislation.
The votes came less than a week after President Obama implored Democrats in Washington not to abandon their health-care efforts, urging them in his State of the Union address not to “run for the hills” on the issue.
But the action in Virginia, a state that backed Obama in 2008, could indicate that the president is failing to reassure members of his own party that current reform efforts remain worthwhile. The votes also suggest that Democrats on the state level fear that supporting health-care reform could be politically damaging, and their action could put pressure on members of the state’s congressional delegation who have been behind the effort.
“It doesn’t make it easier,” said Rep. Gerald E. Connolly, who voted for health-care legislation and is one of several Virginia Democrats facing a strong challenge this year.
Each of three similar bills that passed the state Senate on Monday would run counter to legislation passed by both chambers of Congress, which would require all individuals to purchase health care.
The bills were also expected to be approved by the GOP-controlled House of Delegates. Gov. Robert F. McDonnell (R) said he will review the bills but supports their intent.
“I think the General Assembly is doing what they believe is right for the citizens of Virginia,” McDonnell told reporters Monday. “And, like them, I oppose these broad, costly federal mandates that undermine the ability of Virginians to create more access at less cost.”
Measures prompted by the Washington debate are pending in at least 29 states, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures.
While I’m not sure that measures like this are Constitutional given the Supremacy Clause, this is certainly an indication of just how unpopular health care reform actually is.
VERY interesting. Reminiscent of the pre-Civil War years.
[...] up on a move by the Virginia Senate last month, today the Virginia House of Delegates passed a bill that would make it illegal to force any [...]
[...] Legislature Passes Law Banning Health Insurance Mandates Number of comments: 2Following up on a move by the Virginia Senate last month, today the Virginia House of Delegates passed a bill that would make it illegal to force any [...]
How is it possible that VA legislators are so obtuse as not to realize the importance of everyone having healthcare insurance? Those who can’t afford it under the mandate will be subsidized. I guess VA legislators are afraid they will have to fund the subsidy. Don’t they realize what taxpayers are paying now for those not covered is much more. It clearly is time to cut to the chase and go with single payer.
Congratulations to the State of VA.
The state of Virginia is leading the pack in passing this
into law, to defend their right as a Sovereign state to
resist this illegal power grab coming from Washington.
It should be added that Sr.’s can “choose to pay” for
an additional supplement to Medicare that will cover
them as they age, instead of writing them off and
denying care. Denying care based on an actuarial’s
numbers is not valid. It is a Dr./Patient call,
based on prudent medical practice and the necessary
limitations of their insurance policy. It is an invasion
to place government bureaucrats in charge of our dieing
forcing sr.’s to meet with Govt. “death panels”
to suggest how we should deal with things in the
process. It is evil, will cause undue anxiety and
stress on those who are at their lowest ability to
resist their suggestions.
This is where we lose our LIBERTY, LIVES and CHOICES.
Sr. citizens are asking for LESS THAN what the Govt. wants
to GIVE TO ILLEGALS once they “ram through” amnesty.
Their reward for breaking our laws. WE already give
them more than our Social Security per person. Now will
give us less than their promised health care benefits.
Thanks for nothing…Obama!
Ann American mother/grandmother