Doyle rejects Van Hollen’s request to join health care lawsuit

Wisconsin Gov. Jim Doyle today rejected Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen’s request to join 13 other attorneys general in a lawsuit against the federal health care reform bill.
By Wisconsin statute, before he can join the lawsuit against the federal government, Van Hollen, a Republican would need the authorization of the governor, the State Assembly or the State Senate. Doyle is a Democrat. Both state houses are controlled by Democrats.
In his letter of rejection, Doyle wrote: “I have received your request for permission to file an action to contest national health insurance reform. I am denying that request. This law is an act of Congress, signed by the President of the United States. The lawsuit you suggest is a frivolous and political attempt to thwart the actions of Congress and the law of the country. National health insurance reform will extend coverage to more than 172,000 Wisconsin residents and will benefit families and small businesses throughout the state. This year, small business owners will receive tax credits to buy health insurance. Insurance companies will no longer be able to deny coverage to American children because of a pre-existing condition; nor will they be able to drop someone’s coverage when they get sick and need it the most. This law enhances the actions taken by my Administration to make Wisconsin America’s health care leader. The State of Wisconsin will not enter into litigation intended to deny health care for tens of thousands of residents.”
A Marquette University constitutional law scholar in Milwaukee told BizTimes today that the lawsuit is not likely to be upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court.
– BizTimes Milwaukee