The Patrick Henry Caucus opposes the state complying with federal mandates and calls on state leaders to stand with them in opposition.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 24, 2010
SALT LAKE CITY – The Utah Chapter of the Patrick Henry Caucus (PHC) has taken a unanimous position opposing any attempt by the state of Utah to capitulate and cooperate with the federal healthcare mandates passed by Congress, and signed by President Obama.
In an official vote of its members, both the Senate and House members of the PHC expressed complete opposition to the state of Utah implementing the federally mandated High Risk Insurance Pool. “We call on Governor Herbert, Speaker Clark and President Waddoups to stand with The Patrick Henry Caucus and with the citizens of Utah as we tell the federal government that we will not go along to get along, not now, not ever,” said Rep. Carl Wimmer R-Herriman.
Caucus members were vocal in expressing opposition to the federal government’s offer of cash for those states who cooperate in creating the new HIP pool. Rep. Bill Wright R-Holden said “Do we sell our liberty?” Rep. Chris Herrod R-Provo said “Utah should take the lead and oppose taking any federal money.” Senator Stuart Adams R- Layton added that “I fully support (our caucus) taking this official position!”
The Patrick Henry Caucus is a national organization founded in Utah. It is comprised of elected legislative officials who hold as its primary function the reassertion of balanced federalism as outlined in the 10th Amendment of the Constitution of The United States.
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Will the PHC want Utah to cooperate with Medicare or Medicaid which are infinitely more intrusive than the relatively minor health insurance reform?
No, the Patrick Henry Caucus will not want that at all.
What are the principles that guide that decision?
I am glad that PHC is taking this stand.
An expansion of medicaid to the state would cost Utah nearly 300 million dollars annually in an unfunded mandate. Additionally Medicaid and Medicare are in the red severely.