Senate Panel OKs Health Exchange

The Senate Commerce Committee has voted 8-1 in favor of SB 1042, the governor’s health insurance exchange bill. The only “no” vote came from Sen. Branden Durst, D-Boise, who said he was concerned about the lack of legislative oversight in the exchange as proposed. Sen. Todd Lakey, R-Nampa, said, “I can’t stand there and let the federal government do it to us. I feel obligated to try to exercise some discretion at the state level.” Sen. Dean Cameron, R-Rupert, said, “I wish I had another choice. The only choice I see is for us to follow what I think was the lead of Gov. Otter, and I think he should be commended, not criticized. He’s trying to protect our rights, he’s trying to protect our sovereignty”/ Betsy Russell , Eye on Boise. More here.