Debate: ‘Doesn’t implement ACA,’ ‘Start of slavery,’ ‘Tremendous amount of compromise’

Here’s more from the debate on HB 248, the governor’s state health insurance exchange bill, in the Senate this morning:

Sen Jim Rice , R-Caldwell, said, “This exchange doesn’t implement the Affordable Care Act. It will be implemented fully with or without this bill.”

Sen. Sheryl Nuxoll , R-Cottonwood, called the state exchange bill “one of the most monumental decisions we will ever make,” governing “the start of slavery over freedom.”

Sen. Michelle Stennett , D-Ketchum, “This bill represents a lot of due diligence and a tremendous amount of compromise from this entire legislature, and we should honor that, regardless of our position.”

Sen. Steven Thayn , R-Emmett, said, “This issue in particular has been particularly frustrating for me, because as everyone recognizes and seems to acknowledge, there’s a lack of a solution here.”

Sen. Branden Durst , D-Boise, said he wanted caps on consumer fees in the bill. “That is where I draw the line, why I cannot support SB 248,” he said.

Sen. Dean Mortimer , R-Idaho Falls, said, “Typically in a partnership you try to set down the rules to begin with, and we don’t have them. … The ground rules have not been set out in good, strong financial terms.”

Sen. Dean Cameron , R-Rupert, said, “No one is required to purchase through the exchange. You don’t want to go to the exchange? Don’t go to the exchange.”