MARIETTA (Jan. 15, 2010) – State Sen. Judson Hill (R-Marietta) and all Senate Republicans have requested that Attorney General Thurbert Baker challenge the constitutionality of the health care legislation, HR 3590, the Patient Protections and Affordable Care Act, awaiting final passage in the U.S. Congress. This legislation could have large financial consequences for Georgia if it is implemented.
“Federal legislation must have a legitimate national interest and can not benefit any one state over another,” said Hill. “This legislation is an outrageous attempt to trick the American people into thinking government knows what’s best.”
Georgia is one of several states across the country looking into the legality of this legislation. There are many experts that agree this is unconstitutional and fiscally irresponsible. The cost of maintaining such a health care system, estimated at over $1 billion annually for Georgians, could seriously endanger other essential state programs.
Vote buying has been rampant in Congress, especially in securing passage of this bill. The Nebraska Compromise, a deal made between Nebraska Sen. Ben Nelson and democratic leadership, is an example of the deceiving nature found too often in the U.S. Congress. It is a special exemption that states Nebraska will not have to pay any added costs stemming from expanded Medicaid benefits included in HR 3590.
“Underhanded legislative deals have real consequences that the Democratic leadership in the U.S. House and Senate do not seem to comprehend,” said Hill. “The remaining 49 states whose senators have not made special deals will have a huge price to pay if the Nebraska Compromise remains in the legislation..”
Every Georgia Republican senator has joined with Hill asking Attorney General Baker to explore all legal options to challenge the constitutionality of HR 3590. These senators are calling on Baker to express his intent to advocate on Georgia’s behalf to protect the state’s best interests.
Sen. Judson Hill serves as Chairman of Reapportionment and Redistricting Committee and the Republican Caucus Vice Chairman. He represents the 32nd Senate District which includes portions of Cobb and Fulton counties. He may be reached by phone at 404.656.0150 or by e-mail at judson.hill@senate.ga.gov.
PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release:
January 15, 2010
For Information Contact:
Matt Colvin, Broadcast Specialist
matthew.colvin@senate.ga.gov
404.656.0028