Attorney General Rob McKenna today reaffirmed his participation in a multi-state lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of the recently-approved federal health care measure, once it is signed into law.
"I believe this new federal health care measure unconstitutionally imposes new requirements on our state and on its citizens. This unprecedented federal mandate, requiring all Washingtonians to purchase health insurance, violates the Commerce Clause and the 10th amendment of the US Constitution."
The historic health care reform legislation passed by the House Sunday night and expected to be signed into law this week by President Obama requires most American citizens and naturalized citizens to sign up for insurance or eventually pay either $695 per uninsured family member or 2.5 percent of the combined household income, whichever is greater.
"I'm concerned that the measure unconstitutionally requires all Washingtonians to purchase health insurance and places an extraordinary burden on our state budget by requiring Washington to expand its Medicaid eligibility standards in violation of our state's rights guaranteed under the10th amendment."
Oregon is not part of the suit.
Portland and Seattle
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