House Forwards Health Care Freedom Act to Florida Voters

The Florida House joined the Senate in forwarding a proposed constitutional amendment to voters allowing residents of the state to opt out of the federal health-care law backed by President Barack Obama. The proposed amendment passed the House on a near party-lines vote, 80-37.

The Senate passed the Health Care Freedom Act, which was a top priority of Senate President Mike Haridopolos, R-Merritt Island, on the second day of the session. A similar proposed amendment backed by the Legislature was removed from the 2010 ballot by the state Supreme Court. If the proposed amendment is not removed from the ballot again, Floridians will have the chance to vote on it come November 2012. For it to pass, the amendment needs to garner 60 percent of the vote.

In an often emotional debate, in which House Speaker Dean Cannon, R-Winter Park, had to intervene to cool down rising tensions, the two sides clashed on the issue during limited debate.

Rep. Scott Plakon, R-Longwood, introduced the proposed amendment, and insisted that all members of the House backed health-care freedom.

We have the opportunity today to take the first steps to giving Floridians medical freedom, said Plakon.

Republicans warned about the federal government undermining liberty by relying on an individual mandate in the health-care law.

Democrats insisted that Florida voters were not clamoring for the amendment.

We dont need this joint resolution, said Democratic Leader Pro Tempore Job Gibbons of Pembroke Park. Polls show that Floridians dont want to repeal the Affordable Care Act.

Read the full story now in Sunshine State News.
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