Attorneys general in Alabama, Florida, Nebraska, North Dakota, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Washington and Virginia have stated their plan to file lawsuits designed to stop the federal government from overstepping its constitutional powers in regard to
enacting and enforcing the newly signed healthcare reform bill.
According to Reuters, 10 of the attorneys general plan to band together in a collective lawsuit on behalf of the previously listed states, excluding Virginia. Meanwhile, Virginia Attorney General Kenneth Cuccinelli will file a lawsuit in federal court in Richmond , and
From Reuters:
In addition to the pending lawsuits, bills and resolutions have been introduced in at least 36 state legislatures seeking to limit or oppose various aspects of the reform plan through laws or state constitutional amendments, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures.So far, only two states,Idaho andVirginia , have enacted laws, while anconstitutional amendment is seeking voter approval on the November ballot. But the actual enactment of the bill by President Barack Obama could spur more movement on the measures by state lawmakers. Arizona Florida Attorney General Bill McCollum, a Republican candidate running for governor, said the mandate would costat least $1.6 billion in Medicaid alone. Florida All states would receive extra funding to cover Medicaid costs that are expected to rise under the reform, including 100 percent federal coverage for new enrollees under the plan through 2016.
