Missouri House votes in favor of a proposed bill that would affect health care coverage for residents.
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Missouri House votes in favor of a proposed bill that would affect health care coverage for residents.

Date: March 3, 2010
By: Alana Young
State Capitol Bureau

Intro:  Debates on how to address the current health care situation drag on, as cost continues to be the main cause for concern.
RunTime:  0:41
OutCue:  SOC

Wrap: After much debate on current federal health care reform efforts, the Missouri House voted in favor of a constitutional amendment prohibiting anyone from being forced to obtain health care coverage. 

While Kirksville Democratic Representative Rebbecca McClanahan agreed with the provision's sponsor that cost is a major reform issue, she said the value of the coverage should also be a concern.

Actuality:  MCCLANAH.WAV
Run Time:  00:10
Description: We spend more money on health care than any other nation in the world. Are you familiar with that? I would agree with that, and that's why I think the issue is about cost.
 

Although House Republicans and Democrats do agree on the need for reform, their solutions are far from the same.

From the state Capitol, I'm Alana Young

Intro:  Federal control over states was a major issue in the House meeting Wednesday, where senators voted in favor of a constitutional amendment prohibiting anyone from being forced to obtain health care.
RunTime:  0:40
OutCue:  SOC

Wrap: In an overwhelming majority, The Missouri House voted in favor of a state provision which seeks to allow residents the right to refuse a health care coverage plan. 

The sponsor, St. Louis County Republican Representative Timothy Jones, said that citizens should have the ultimate control over health care decisions as voted, on a state-by-state basis.

Actuality:  JONES2.WAV
Run Time:  00:09
Description: I think the 50 states should be the laboratories on this issue. I'm not a fan of having the federal government put a one sized, fits all model upon us, and force us down that path.
 

But Palmyra Democratic Representative Rachel Bringer said this amendment is premature, as federal health care reform has not yet been decided.

From the state Capitol, I'm Alana Young

Intro:  State's individual control over health care and how that affects citizens' respect for federal government was an issue discussed in the Missouri House meeting Wednesday.
RunTime:  0:39
OutCue:  SOC

Wrap: The Missouri House voted in favor of a proposed constitutional amendment which seeks to prohibit any individual from being forced to adopt a health care plan on Wednesday.

But Palmyra Democratic Representative Rachel Bringer said allowing individual states to write provisions which ignore federal law could lead to problems.

Actuality:  BRINGER.WAV
Run Time:  00:09
Description: I wonder about the potential confusion to voters um, about whether a provision in the Missouri constitution can override federal statute.

Although the legislature voted overwhelmingly in support of the amendment, the reach of federal control over state law continues to be a major source of debate.

From the state Capitol, I'm Alana Young