Idaho Democratic legislators call on guv, GOP lawmakers for exchange, either thru executive order or special session
Idaho Democratic lawmakers have issued a call for the governor and Republican legislators to return to planning for a state-run health insurance exchange, now that the U.S. Supreme Court has upheld the national health care reform law. "That will mean either an Executive Order or a Special Legislative Session. Failure to act will cost Idaho millions of dollars," the Dems said in a statement. Said House Minority Leader John Rusche, D-Lewistion, "Our Republican colleagues cannot continue to hide behind political campaign slogans when action is needed. ... The citizens and businesses of the state deserve better.” Click below for the full statement from the Idaho Democratic Legislative Caucus.
Press release from Idaho Democratic Legislative Caucus:
Idaho Democratic legislators call for healthcare leadership for Idahoans
The Governor and Republican House and Senate members must set aside political rhetoric and work with Democratic legislators to meet the federal deadline for creating an Idaho Health Insurance Exchange. That will mean either an Executive Order or a Special Legislative Session. Failure to act will cost Idaho millions of dollars.
“The citizens of Idaho are asking for help and Democratic legislators are calling on the Governor and Republican legislators to take action,” said Dr. John Rusche, Minority House Leader. “The cost of health care and health insurance is crippling family budgets and business recovery. The constitutional Affordable Care Act offers tools to make progress. Our Republican colleagues cannot continue to hide behind political campaign slogans when action is needed.”
“Last session the Majority refused to consider developing the Health Insurance Exchange and even removed appropriations for standard Department of Insurance activities related to the ACA. Health and Welfare was beleaguered when trying to comply with Medicaid readiness standards. The citizens and businesses of the State deserve better.” Rusche added.
Idaho Democrats call for a rapid return to planning for a State Exchange. We also hope for an honest and fiscally responsible discussion about healthcare for the uninsured in this state.
Leadership is needed to address the healthcare issues. We commit to provide our expertise and effort as well, and call on The Governor and Republican legislators to step up.
