Sometimes good policy makes good politics.
Minnesota’s Governor Tim Pawlenty, via executive order, told state employees “We don’t need no stinkin’ Obamacare.” From Star Tribune via Hotair:
Republican Gov. Tim Pawlenty Tuesday ordered all state agencies to not to submit applications to any health care funding from the federal government related to the health care overhaul.
Any applications must be either required by law or approved by the governor’s office. …
“Obamacare is an intrusion by the federal government into personal health care matters and it’s an explosion of federal spending that does nothing to make health care more affordable,” Pawlenty said in a news release.
If a state doesn’t take the money, Obamacare is dead in the water. Once you take the money, they own you.
This is a tactic that more governors should and hopefully will use.
Some people have noted that this move is a broadside against Mitt “RomneyCare” Romney as much as it is against Obamacare. So be it. RomneyCare is a disaster and Romney should be saddled with it. No real conservative would ever do what Romney did. Can we get over it? Maybe. But this is where the debate should be.
That said, this is the right policy. Deny the Feds their leverage by not accepting the money. Governors, pay attention. Lawsuits are fine and they should be tried. But cut off the finding and you cut off Obamacare.
I have my issues with Pawlenty, but this is the right move.
September 1, 2010 at 4:44 am
Run, Tim, run!
September 1, 2010 at 11:35 am
It has been proven again and again that abstinence education is ineffective. Why bother coming up with the 75% match given the state budget deficit when that money can be put to better use elsewhere?
September 1, 2010 at 4:28 pm
Poetic justice, that he uses an executive order against the king of executive orders. I like it.
September 1, 2010 at 5:45 pm
Amy, huh??? I don't understand your comment.
September 1, 2010 at 9:22 pm
Where is your proof, Amy?
September 5, 2010 at 4:14 am
Fatcats don't need anything; the Governor is right.
Look at the picture of the man. He is in the lap of luxury.
He has everything and much more than he needs.
May God bless him with more.
Health Care is something many Americans need. There has not been a good enough program to address many serious health issues poor Americans face.
We need to provide something. Charity calls out that we do what is necessary.
Is the Health Care Program going to get ripped off, like all other Government Programs?
Of course.
By the poor?
No.
Just as always, by Fatcats like the Guv.
Keeping this in mind, let us hit the ground running with Health Care until the Fatcats and Phds and so on bankrupt it.
Pray for the Commander in Chief.
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