Members of the Missouri House will soon begin debate on a proposed constitutional amendment that would say “No” to any federal health-care mandate.
House Majority Floor Leader Steven Tilley (R-Perryville) readily admits that the House Joint Resolution 57 sends a message to Congress.
“I think we’re going to try to send several messages to our Congressional delegation and the people in D.C., because, clearly, they’re not listening to the people of this state and this country,” says Tilley.
Republicans control the Missouri legislature. Democrats control Congress. They disagree profoundly on health care, especially evident in the Missouri House where Republican Representative Tim Jones of Eureka sponsors a joint resolution.
“It’s not an opt-out, it is a constitutional amendment asking the citizens of the state of Missouri if they want to protect the health care freedoms, choices and liberties they currently have,” according to Jones, who says he has 75 co-sponsors. A similar measure has been introduced in the Senate.
The constitutional amendment prohibits anyone from being compelled to participate in any health care system. If it passes the legislature, it would have to be approved by a vote of the people.
Brent Martin reports [:60]