Governor Nixon took no action on a bill that would give Missouri control of its own health care policy, if Congress agrees. The bill’s sponsor Representative Eric Burlison, says all the same laws still apply, but puts Missouri in the driver’s seat. He says it’s interesting that Nixon took no stance on the bill.

He says Nixon seems to have a lot to say about health care, and the bill would give Nixon more of a say in how Missouri implements the Federal health care reform. Until this passes, the federal government doesn’t care what Nixon thinks. “He seems to have a lot to say, he just doesn’t want to say it with his pen,” Burlison says.

In a release, Nixon’s office states next session the legislature will need to pass more legislation establishing a state health care exchange with aims of making health care more affordable. In the release, his office acknowledged this bill got bipartisan support in both chambers.

Burlison says Georgia and Oklahoma have also signed legislation asking the Federal Government to give them control over their own health care policies. He called Missouri a leader in this effort, pointing to the passage of Prop. C last November. The proposition was to reject a federal mandate to purchase health insurance.

(AUDIO) Allison Blood reports Mp3 :59