N.C. GOP attempts to block health care overhaul

RALEIGH, N.C. — North Carolina Republicans say they'll take their fight over the federal health care overhaul to the Legislative Building if the Democratic plan passes on Capitol Hill.

House and Senate GOP leaders said Tuesday at a news conference they would file legislation when the General Assembly returns in May letting North Carolina residents "opt out" of requirements that they get health insurance or face cash penalties.

House Minority Leader Paul Stam said he believes the U.S. Constitution gives states the right not to participate in parts of the overhaul.

"This should not be about partisan politics; it should be about the individual freedom of our citizens," said Stam, R-Wake.

Passage in the legislature is a long shot because Democrats control the General Assembly.

House Speaker Joe Hackney told reporters later Tuesday the GOP news conference sounded like a political event, not a substantive one. Other states are examining similar legislation.

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"Republicans will not stand idly by and watch as citizens' rights to make their own health care decisions are taken from them by the federal government," Senate Minority Leader Phil Berger said. "The people of North Carolina are overwhelmingly opposed to this blatant abuse of power."

This is stupid. The people will have choices with the Healthcare Reform, which includes staying with the private plan already in existence. This particular Republican keeps harping the very old news.

Reference: Healthcare Pro and Con: http://www.npr.org/blogs/money/2009/12/health_reform_pro_and_con.html

The question should be: What is the "latest" version of the Healthcare Reform bill?

jse830fcnawa030klgmvnnaw+
January 20, 2010 7:35 p.m.

THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU! It's nice to know at least SOME of our representatives aren't DEAF!

RaleighMan
January 20, 2010 6:52 p.m.

we need to replace about 95% of the people in the house and the senate (and the white house), then maybe they can come up with a resonable solution to the healtcare mess. Trusting these liars and theves that are running the country now will lead to ruin. How did we end up with all of these fools running the country? Let's wake up and elect some people that realize that they are there to work FOR the people.

smbiz
January 20, 2010 6:24 p.m.

I'll skip reading all the bitter back and forth. Just want to chime in as one polite voice not against a health care over haul. I'd like smart people from both sides to work out a good solution, please.

ezLikeSundayMorning
January 20, 2010 4:50 p.m.

I say we completely clean house and senate and start all over with some fresh ideas from elected officials who would be too green to know how to play with the lobbyists,etc.

Hapicampr
January 20, 2010 3:19 p.m.