House approves citizens' right to say no to federal health care
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House approves citizens' right to say no to federal health care

Date: March 16, 2010
By: Allie Spillyards
State Capitol Bureau
Links: HJR 48 and the roll call vote

Intro:  A resolution to exempt Missouri from federal health care reform moves onto the Senate after approval by Representatives.
RunTime:  0:41
OutCue:  SOC

Wrap: Missouri's House voted to let you refuse federal health care policy in a hearing on Tuesday.  

Republican Representative Brian Nieves says this was a matter of state government standing up to the federal goverment to protect Missourians' rights. 

Actuality:  NIEVES1.WAV
Run Time:  00:10
Description: "Sooner or later there comes that issue, there comes that point, where we pick something. And we say this is the line in the sand, and therefore, I encourage the faceoff."

If approved by the legislature, the proposal would require statewide voter approval to take effect.

But even with voter approval, critics warn that the state has limited powers to tell Missourians they can ignore federal requirements.

Reporting from the State Capitol, I'm Allie Spillyards.

Intro:  Missouri's House overwhelmingly agreed to block federally mandated health care in a hearing on Tuesday.
RunTime:  0:39
OutCue:  SOC

Wrap: The proposal seeks to provide Missourians with a constitutional right to refuse to have health care insurance.

But the House Democratic leader, Paul LeVota, voiced concern the proposal would cause a clash between state and federal governments.

Actuality:  LEVOTA1.WAV
Run Time:  00:05
Description: "We should be changing the policy instead of tampering with the Constitution."

But on the other side, Republicans in the House argued the measure would protect the liberties of citizens.

The resolution will now go to Missouri's Senate.

If approved by the legislature, the proposal would require statewide voter approval to become part of the state's constitution.

Reporting from the State Capitol, I'm Allie Spillyards.