GOP: Legislators wrong targets

All four of the accused representatives (Henderson, Goedde, Malek, Morse) are guilty!

That’s right, they voted against the Republican Central Committee’s decision to oppose creation of a Federal Medical Insurance Exchange. Instead, they created a medical insurance exchange that will operate independently of federal or local government. They did this primarily to block the federal exchange and all its mandates and expense. They also did it for smaller government and lower taxes.

The independent exchange created in HB248 defends Idaho citizens and employers against the federal program that would be administered by bureaucrats in Washington, D.C. The guilty representatives believe that Idaho can better manage Idaho problems and programs. The Central Committee argues that Federal Medical Insurance Exchanges will never be created because congress failed to fund the program.

The guilty representatives ask what federal program in the past four years has not been implemented because no money had been appropriated. They point out that the president has no regard for procedure or concern about deficit spending — and predict that a federal exchange is definitely in the future of those states that did nothing to protect themselves.

HB248 asserts Idaho’s state sovereignty. It prevents the surrender of decision-making authority over Idaho health care issues to the federal government. HB248 is a purely Republican statement that makes a bold, assertive, unambiguous defense of States’ Rights as described in the 10th Amendment. Its benefits include smaller government and lower costs.

Participation in the independent exchange of HB248 is voluntary by individuals and businesses.

It is totally independent of government in its service to identify the least expensive medical insurance available to Idaho individuals and employers. It may not have state employees as staff persons and may not accept tax dollars to sustain its function. The four representatives are clearly guilty of honoring Republican principles!

In respect to the facts, the Republican Central Committee should commend these representatives and focus its censorship on what’s happening in D.C.

KELLIE PALM

Kootenai County Precinct #15