Presents Healthcare Freedom of Choice Act to Senate
ATLANTA (Mar. 17, 2010) – State Sen. Judson Hill (R-Marietta) brought legislation before the Senate that would allow Georgians a vote on the November ballot to protect their right to choice and freedoms with health insurance plans. The Health Care Freedom of Choice Constitutional Amendment (Senate Resolution 794), authored by Hill, would have allowed Georgia citizens the opportunity to decide whether or not to add an amendment to Georgia Constitution stating that no one in the state could be forced to purchase a healthcare plan against their will or be penalized for not doing so. All 34 Senate Republicans joined Hill in support of his measure, but with no Democrat support for SR 794, the resolution fell short of the two-thirds majority required to pass a Constitutional Amendment
“Today the Georgia Senate had the chance to give Georgians the opportunity to decide how best to protect their freedoms and liberties with their healthcare,” said Hill. “It is widely understood that state Constitutions may afford its residents greater liberties than the U.S. Constitution allows as our national policy should provide a floor, not a ceiling, for the rights of its citizens. I am disappointed my Democratic colleagues in the Senate chose not to let Georgia’s citizens vote in November to preserve their existing rights they have regarding their healthcare.”
Hill’s Amendment aimed to protect Georgia’s citizens from being forced into government-run health care or forced into purchasing health care they cannot afford. Existing private and government programs would not be affected by this legislation. Hill noted on the floor SR 794 will ensure every Georgian has the freedom to accept or reject any health care or health insurance plan. The Amendment would also prohibit any government from punishing an individual or business that does not participate in such a health plan, as well as protect health care providers from being forced to perform mandated medical procedures.
SR 794 was the latest in Hill’s efforts to provide Georgians with patient-centered health care measures and improve citizen’s access to affordable, accessible, high-quality health care and health insurance. Since the announcement of Health Care Freedom of Choice Constitutional Amendment last fall, Hill gained widespread support from Senate Republican leaders on this initiative and praised his commitment to healthcare protection.
“During my time as a state Senator I have worked hard to offer every Georgian free-market based solutions to improve Georgia’s healthcare system and to help make health insurance more affordable. Over the last few years our state has become a national health care reform leader. I will not let one vote deter me from continuing to fight for patient-centered health care measures improving citizen’s access to affordable, accessible, high-quality health care and health insurance,” said Hill.
The Senate motioned to reconsider SR 794, which could take place as soon as Thursday. The Senate convenes Thursday March 18 at 2:00 p.m.
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:
March 17, 2010
For Information Contact:
Matt Colvin, Broadcast Specialist
matthew.colvin@senate.ga.gov
404.656.0028