House debate: ‘A ‘no’ vote for 248 is a vote for a fed exchange in Idaho’

Here’s more from this afternoon’s House debate on the state insurance exchange bill:

Rep. Lenore Barrett , R-Challis, said, “The federal government needs the state to get this done. The state does not need the federal government. And I realize … some of us say the federal government will do it. If they have to do it, they will fail. They will implode upon themselves and then we’ll be out of the health care act.” She told the story of the Trojan horse. “Beware of Greeks bearing gifts,” she said. “A word to the wise used to be sufficient. I’m not sure that’s the case any more.”

Rep. Ed Morse , R-Hayden, cited the same exchange details cited at length earlier by Rep. Lynn Luker, R-Boise, an exchange opponent. “These are elements that allow citizens in Idaho to displace federal control,” he said. “We’re allowed to make those decisions, we and not the feds. It’s hard to logically and consistently argue that we have no control, and then at the same time enumerate the issues and the items and say, ‘What an overwhelming task.’ Every one of those burdens we take over, we displace federal control.”

Rep. Robert Anderst , R-Nampa, said, “Today I stand not necessarily in favor of a state exchange, but absolutely opposed to a federal exchange. I’m not here to negotiate on behalf of Idaho, I’m here to protect Idaho. … We feel that we can control these kinds of situations better on a local level.” He disputed “that somehow we can do nothing and there’s no consequence to it,” saying, “I’m more convinced than ever that that option doesn’t exist. Let’s make no mistake: A ‘no’ vote for 248 is a vote for a federal exchange in Idaho.”