Trib Cheers Otter Insurance Stand

CHEERS … to Idaho Gov. C.L. (Butch) Otter. The governor just kicked off what could be a huge fight with the nullification wing of the GOP for the best of reasons: It’s the right call for Idaho consumers, taxpayers and businesses. Nobody has taken a harder line against President Obama’s national health care insurance reform. Otter even issued an executive order barring any state agency from doing anything to implement health care reform without his say-so. Wednesday, however, Otter agreed to apply for $31 million in health care act grants, enabling the state to start health insurance exchanges. Those exchanges will enable individuals and small businesses to obtain health insurance. The working poor also can secure subsidized health insurance through these vehicles. Had Otter struck a hard line, the federal government would have operated Idaho’s exchanges, threatening 2,500 Idaho insurance agents and disrupting the health care delivery/ Marty Trillhaase , Lewiston Tribune. More here.

More Idaho Opinion:

• Now Otter confronts a monster of his own making /Idaho Statesman
• Policy’s end paves way for future of military /Spokesman-Review
• A 2nd chance to right redistricting team’s wrong /Twin Falls Times-News
• Working class needs to stand up to rich /Max Bartlett, UI Argonaut
• More Idaho parents should vaccinate kids /Idaho Press-Tribune

Question: Do you think the “nullification wing” of the Idaho Republican Party will forgive Butch Otter for agreeing to apply for $31M in Obamacare money?