In a move that can only be described as alarming, Governor Brewer vetoed SB1593, the health insurance and interstate purchase legislation that would have opened business for health insurance to be purchased along state lines by Arizonans.
Gov. Brewer’s reasoning on this matter is also baffling to say the least. She expressed concern that specific mandated coverage would be compromised if passed. What she failed to address were the thirty-three mandates imposed by the state that have increased insurance costs greatly right along with the opportunities illegals have taken to access medical care, for which they do not pay (it may come to an end in the next session), costing Arizona a whopping $4 billion a year (from illegals alone) according to a study conducted by Federation of American Immigration Reform (FAIR) and published by www.weneedafence.org on 2/24/2011.
Gov. Brewer also stated a provision was added ‘at the last minute’ which would have struck down the mandates. At this time, I am not sure what the governor is referring to as it appears the ‘mandate’ debate was taking place for some time. Rep. Terri Proud (R-LD26) introduced The Proud Amendment at one point to ensure continued funding for behavioral services received by autistic children under Steven’s Law. The bill passed without the amendment. Arizona State Sen. Nancy Barto, a co-sponsor of the bill, wrote a column in The Arizona Republic stating no mandates would be repealed. Perhaps the governor felt certain individuals would be denied coverage if Arizonans were opting for less expensive plans elsewhere taking money away from an in-state policy that would normally be applied to funding.
Yesterday, my governor made a choice on behalf of every Arizonan. She decided all in this state are incapable of choosing the best coverage for themselves – hardly the hallmark of conservative thought or governing style we have come to expect from Brewer on most items. Many in the state house thought SB1593 would indeed be a no-brainer for the governor. It is unseemly that adults would have to beg for permission to access an insurance plan most suitable to their needs. Whatever Brewer’s concerns of ’specific mandated coverage’ or Arizonans being bamboozled by the insurers, the point is: Arizonans need to be making those decisions independently as we do on any number of purchases and risks we take on a daily basis. That’s the American way. Besides, the text of SB1593 goes into detail regarding protections for Arizonans and noting policies offered still being regulated.
I am mindful of those who are in need of special treatments having access to coverage, and as I stated in my previous post on SB1593, I am very confident we can provide such solutions with innovation from the medical community, insurers and overall, people working together to resolve these serious matters.
Truthfully, the governor’s veto has more to do with ensuring particular mandates remaining in existence. Of course, the mandate can only be maintained if Arizonans are forced to purchase in-state coverage with all the dressings bestowed by the fine state.
The autism lobby went full throttle in their opposition to this bill when they felt Steven’s Law (passed in 2008 to include coverage for autistic children on insurance) was vulnerable. They ran ads from the Washington DC base of Autism Votes (www.autismvotes.org) in Phoenix; some Arizona state reps, though passing the bill, were apprehensive about mandates being removed or other states not offering the same options in their policies to Arizonans.
What many fail to comprehend is we already have many mandates which drive up the costs for everyone. There also appears to be an enormous disconnect in the understanding of how a free market is supposed to function.
A free market is not a quick fix or the magic cure for every problem we face in this debate; however, it is a start to finding solutions. Thus far, the government-created insurance stress in this state has not offered solutions; if anything, it has exascerbated the problem. With more independent control of our health insurance, one would be required to take more responsibility for his or her part in the thought and approach to health care coverage. Franky, I want that responsibility! I trust my own decisions on those matters moreso than Gov. Brewer, the Arizona state house – and ultimately, the Obama adiminstration.
As the hours have passed, I have seen more commentary from the governor, but it does not sit well with me. Not at all. Passage of the bill would have helped drive a stake through the heart of Obamacare, and it is infuriating our governor did not have the wherewithall to take the lead on this timely matter.
I have been very supportive of Governor Brewer on many fronts including some of the controversial vetoes of last week. I stand by that support. It was legitimate and there were indeed major questions being raised about the final formats of some bills; however, I have not supported all the vetoes and SB1593 is a bill that should have passed with the same confidence as SB1070. There is no excuse in denying the people of Arizona access to insurance options that generate competition, decrease costs, expand choices and yes, offer REAL solutions for those in need of expanded and extensive care.
Governor Brewer had an opportunity to liberate Arizonans and the free market; instead, the people of Arizona were told they would continue being enslaved by the protected, state-created health insurance cartels.
Someone has gotten to her. We need to know what has happened.
Sadly Brewer’s strength in defending SB1070 comes directly from the polls and at the insistence of Russell Pearce and other state senate leaders. We both know that Brewer got wobbly after the federal judge’s ruling last summer but the senate leaders kept the pressure on her. I have been hearing rumblings from reasonable state legislators, for the last month and a half, that she was caving to special interests. I am not surprised or puzzled. Unfortunately, this is the outcome I feared but expected.
It’s apparent she bit the bait from special interests on SB1593 – probably SB1592 and some other items as well. If we’re looking at polls, then Brewer should have supported SB1593. She definitely had voter support & the state legislature. Her office revealed last week alone thousands of calls came through mostly supporting the bill. It was close, but a strong DC based special interest group (Autism Votes) was behind the veto noise. There were others, too, but they appear to have made the most of ‘the children’.
Though I was concerned after the federal ruling against SB1070 last year that Brewer would cave on SB1070, she didn’t and yes, Pearce & others were there to keep the pressure on. When I asked Pearce about SB1070 being watered down, he said there was no way it was going to happen. So I cannot say that she’s not entirely on board with the fight. It’s difficult to hold support for something for so long and letting it get to this point without being sincere about it. She has also willingly expanded that fight through some of her decisions yesterday. We’ll see what happens.
I am disappointed (was livid yesterday!) with her right now on the insurance matter though. There was no excuse to deny us this opportunity. It would have been another way to shake the flimsy foundation of Obama’s house of cards on a matter the GOP truly dropped the ball on in 2009. It would have also opened up necesary opportunities on so many levels for those of us here – opportunities for competitive work, insurance options & for those of us without coverage right now.
You are right – I modify my statement about the polls. The polls mattered when she was in a three-way tie for the Republican primary as an incumbent. Now that she is bulletproof, the polls and the will of her constituents mean nothing.
I will go a step further and say that the only reason that SB 1070 passed is because of timing. She let it marinate on her desk, riling up the opposition, while she weighed her political options. If presented today, I would bet my lowly fortune that she would veto it.
I just don’t think she has the stomach for another fight. I know you are a supporter, but I have never been able to shake my doubts about her. I have tried, but my gut tells me otherwise.
I know this is not a huge deal, but little things tell you alot about a person. In the midst of her push for Prop 100, which changed NOTHING – everyone is still complaining about public school funding, she had a speaking engagement in Casa Grande (less that an hour from Phoenix). She had one car drive down from the Capitol to an airfield in Casa Grande and wait for her. She then had a second car drive her to the airfield in Phoenix. She FLEW to Casa Grande, and the first car that was waiting at the airfield drove her to the speaking venue. After her speech, it then returned her to the airport and drove back to Phoenix. She FLEW back to Phoenix where the second car that had waited for her then returned to her to the Capitol.
In times when she is asking her constituents to pay more taxes, because she did not have the political will to make the tough decisions and reduce government, she is flying around on the taxpayers’ dimes like the Queen of Sheba. Sarah Palin she is not. She is a big government elitist.
She seems to be blowing it. Someone needs to ask her WTF?
I get the distinct impression that a RINO is being uncovered. I hope that I’m wrong, but it looks like someone, or, someone’s have gotten to her and are pulling the strings. Is she her own person, or just a puppet? The strong conservative that I thought she was is slowly dissolving before my eyes.
Not being able to shop for insurance across state lines makes me upset. I live in Kansas. We do not get to shop across state lines & the pre existing situation with health care in Kansas means a person has to be turned down by two insurance companies before they can even apply for insurance from the state. I am not sure if the state has to accept the person if they have been turned down twice. Let’s just say, this strikes close to home & I would appreciate all of your prayers. Having one of the most important people in my life uninsured at this moment is most uncomfortable. The best insurance is “In God We Trust”. This can not be taken from us.
You definitely have my prayers, Lucy, and I am so sorry to hear your loved one is without coverage. I am also of the belief ‘In God We Trust’ – the most constant assurance we have in this life!
It’s beyond frustrating when we see our options being chiselled away by those who hold power; ultimately, I have to bear in mind that no matter what – God is still in control. I agree with you – this cannot be taken from us! So true!
What has the regime in DC threatened the Governor or the state of Arizona itself with?
Very alarming indeed! Many Arizona conservatives are swarming mad about this right now and aren’t sure how to direct their anger. There are talks of a recall. I’m certainly not sure this is the way to go, but we must let her know that we are not happy with all the vetoes coming from her desk as of late. Great report Artgal!