Amendment seeks to keep federal government out of Florida health care

A proposed amendment to Florida's Constitution is aimed at preventing health care reform mandated by the federal government from meddling in the state's health care system, however those opposed to the amendment see it as a waste of time.
Sen. Carey Baker, R-Eustis and Rep. Scott Plakon, R-Longwood filed HJR 37, a joint resolution aimed at prohibiting the ability of any new law to impose demands, restrictions or penalties concerning health care choices in Florida.
The resolution prohibits mandates from the federal government on coverage and penalties on employers who fail to provide health insurance for their employees. It further prevents employers and health care providers from being forced into participating in a government run health care plan, but does not prevent anyone from participating voluntarily. Sponsors of the resolution say it will have no effect on Medicare of Medicaid.
A press release from Sen. Baker earlier this summer stated, "Today we're drawing the line in the sand. It is bad enough that our federal government wants to choose your doctor and ration your treatment, but to do so virtually in secret and in such a rush proves that the goal is not to get better health care but to get socialized health care."
However, in a telephone interview today Democratic Senator Dan Gelber, who took part in a health care rally held in Orlando last month, sees the situation differently. "Florida has 4 million citizens without heath care and about 800,000 of those are children," Gelber said, "We are in a full-blown crises." According to Gelber, Florida's health care system is rated the fourth worst in the country, and the state is second in the amount of uninsured.
Gelber said he does not believe, and hopes the resolution never reaches the ballot for the electorate to vote on next year. He said his colleagues "across the isle should focus on the issues." Gelber said he wishes all the anger that is going around concerning health care would turn into constructive debate.
In an earlier statement Rep. Plakon said the state has a right to judge for themselves whether or not the federal government has overstepped their boundaries.
Sponsors of the proposed amendment hope to bring the matter to a vote and place the amendment on next year's ballot. Three fifths or the Florida Legislature and 60 percent of the electorate would have to approve the amendment for it to succeed.