State senators have shaken their fists at Washington, but it remains to seen whether the successful healthcare measure is a protection for Virginia residents or just an empty threat.
Voting 23-17, the Democratic-controlled Senate approved three identical proposals — Senate Bills 283, 311 and 417 — making it illegal to require residents to purchase health-care coverage. Similar bills are under consideration in the Republican-dominated House.
The problem is, courts usually give federal law precedence over state. So if Congressional Democrats pass laws requiring everyone to buy insurance…well, nice try, Virginia. You’re just doing what everyone else is trying, apparently. The AP reports:
Lawmakers in 35 states have filed or proposed amendments to their state constitutions or statutes rejecting health insurance mandates, according to the American Legislative Exchange Council, a nonprofit group that promotes limited government that is helping coordinate the efforts. Many of those proposals are targeted for the November ballot, assuring that health care remains a hot topic as hundreds of federal and state lawmakers face re-election.
