Luker: ‘Extreme deviation from constitution’

Rep. Lynn Luker, R-Boise, co-sponsor of the “Idaho Health Freedom Act,” told the House, “As Idahoans we are a freedom-loving people and this particular bill deals with that freedom. This bill is very narrowly drafted, it deals with one issue and that is mandatory health care coverage. It doesn’t have anything to do with various other solutions that we do need to look at in resolving our health care crisis if you will, but it does address the concern of many that the federal government would come in and say you will buy insurance, and if you don’t you will be taxed, you will be penalized, you will be fined. That is an extreme deviation from our constitutional principles.”

Luker is speaking second, after Rep. Jim Clark opened the debate. During his comments, Clark derided the AARP, saying, “They’re an insurance company,” and calling the group “the largest insurance company in the country.”