CapitolBeatOK Staff Report

Published: 28-May-2010

Oklahoma’s Republican legislative leadership will move to file a legal challenge to the federal takeover of health care under a measure advanced today (Friday, May 28).

Senate Concurrent Resolution 64, by state Sen. President Pro Tempore Glenn Coffee and House Speaker Chris Benge, authorizes legislative leaders to “employ legal counsel to file a lawsuit against the United States Congress, the President of the United States of America, and the Secretary of the United States Department of Health and Human Services to prevent the provisions” of the federal takeover of health care from taking effect.

“It’s become clear in recent weeks that the people of Oklahoma are very much opposed to ObamaCare and want the state to challenge its constitutionality in court,” said state Rep. John Trebilcock, a Broken Arrow Republican who carried the measure in the House.

Trebilcock continued, “Unfortunately, our attorney general has refused to stand up for the people and the governor has previously blocked efforts to challenge the federal law. This measure will allow legislative leadership to step in the breach and stand up for the people of Oklahoma.”

Trebilcock said attorneys have offered to do the legal work without state payment, but said the issue is greater than cost considerations.

“The governor has complained that a legal challenge would cost the state money,” Trebilcock said, “but I do not believe you can put a price on your constitutional rights. Some things are more important than money.” S.C.R. 64 passed 63-19 in the state House to gain final legislative approval.