CapitolBeatOK Staff Report

Published: 26-May-2010

The Oklahoma State Senate gave bipartisan support to Senate Concurrent Resolution 64. The measure reaffirms legislative determination to battle provisions of the new federal health care legislation.

S.C.R. 64 authorizes the President Pro Tempore of the Senate and the Speaker of the House to employ legal counsel to file a lawsuit against the United States government to prevent the provisions of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) from taking effect.

Coffee said Oklahomans have voiced their opinion countless times on this issue as has the Legislature. He said that as elected officials, the Legislature must represent and govern by Oklahoma values and principles. 

“The federal government has gone too far once again in suffocating the liberties of Oklahomans, and citizens of our entire nation,” said Coffee. “Oklahomans deserve a government that is accountable to them. Not one that creates mandate after mandate, robbing us of our freedoms.

“The Senate’s statement today affirms Oklahoma’s stand against a federally mandated health care reform law that will cripple our already tough economy. We have to be bold and fight for the rights that are ours, and today we committed to doing just that.”

The Legislature previously passed this legislation in different form, which the governor vetoed, saying its costs to the state would be high. But Coffee pointed out that pro-bono counsel has been identified that is “willing to step up” in challenging the federal government on Oklahoma’s behalf.

S.C.R. 64 will now go to the House for final passage.