Lazich wants state hearing on health care mandate

State Sen. Mary Lazich (R-New Berlin) is renewing her request that the chairman of the state Senate Health Committee, state Sen. Jon Erpenbach (D-Waunakee), hold a hearing on a proposed state constitutional amendment about the approved federal government health care mandate.
Senate Joint Resolution 62 (SJR 62) states that Wisconsin residents have the right to enter into private contracts with health care providers for health care services and prohibits enactment of any law that requires any person to obtain or maintain health insurance coverage.
“This is the single most important bill of the legislative session,” said Lazich, the ranking minority member of the state Senate Health Committee. “Wisconsin citizens want to and deserve to be heard. The thousands upon thousands of individuals in Wisconsin that strongly believe that this mandate is wrong and unconstitutional cannot be ignored.”
Lazich appeared at a state Capitol news conference with SJR 62 author, state Sen. Joe Leibham (R-Sheboygan), and co-author, state Rep. Robin Vos (R-Racine) to urge the joint resolution be scheduled for a public hearing. During the news conference, Lazich held up a letter she sent to Erpenbach, requesting a public hearing.
“What could be more bipartisan than to conduct a public hearing on this resolution before the legislative session runs out,” Lazich said.  “If people like the federal mandate, they can testify in support. If people do not like the mandate that imposes fines for failing to purchase insurance, they can testify in opposition.”
Lazich said the quality of health care is likely to deteriorate in Wisconsin under the approved federal health care bill.
“Wisconsin has some of the best doctors, the best hospitals, the best clinics, and some of the best care in the nation,” said Lazich. “Our high quality medical care is now in jeopardy and concerned citizens should be given the opportunity to be heard.”
Scott Walker, Milwaukee County executive and Republican candidate for governor, said, “I commend Senators Joe Leibham and Mary Lazich and Representative Robin Vos for taking steps to protect the right of all Wisconsinites to make healthcare choices for themselves and their families. As governor I will look at options to remove mandates on our state and our people and, if possible, opt out of the health care bill passed by Congress.”
The bill is not likely to move forward in the Democratic-controlled state legislature.
Erpenbach told Wisconsin the Wisconsin Radio Network that a hearing would be a waste of the limited amount of time remaining in the legislative session.
“It is a waste of time, and I think Senator Lazich knows it, and she’s perhaps being a little disingenuous with people who support the idea,” Erpenbach said.
– BizTimes Milwaukee