SECOND REGULAR SESSION

House Concurrent Resolution No. 66

95TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

INTRODUCED BY REPRESENTATIVES DIXON (Sponsor), GUERNSEY, NOLTE, KOENIG, SMITH (14), NIEVES, FISHER (125), GRISAMORE, SMITH (150), BURLISON, SANDER, MUNZLINGER, SCHAAF, DIECKHAUS, EMERY, ALLEN AND DENISON (Co-sponsors).

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    Whereas, recently in the Senate version of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (HR 3590), a special deal was reportedly made by Nebraska Senator Ben Nelson whereby the state of Nebraska is permanently exempted from bearing the costs of newly eligible Nebraska Medicaid enrollees; and

    Whereas, such exemption has not been afforded to Missouri or any of the other 48 states; and

    Whereas, all other states except Nebraska will be required to allocate substantial sums to accommodate the federal health care bill's new Medicaid mandates; and

    Whereas, it has also been reported that Senator Nelson's vote for passage of the bill was secured only after the deal was made; and

    Whereas, this "Nebraska Compromise" strikes a blow to the nation's collective confidence in elected officials in Washington, D.C. and violates basic notions of fundamental fairness:

    Now, therefore, be it resolved that the members of the Missouri House of Representatives, Ninety-fifth General Assembly, Second Regular Session, the Senate concurring therein, hereby call on Missouri Attorney General Chris Koster to join the 13 other state attorneys general from across the nation in challenging the special deal; and

    Be it further resolved that Attorney General Koster thoroughly and immediately review the constitutionality and legality of this suspect provision in HR 3590 and stand up for Missouri taxpayers; and

    Be it further resolved that, in order to ensure that the dollars of Missouri taxpayers are wisely spent, and in order to ensure that the Attorney General's resources are properly used on criminal prosecutions, enforcement of undocumented worker laws, protection of Missouri consumers, protection of Missouri's natural resources, and other vital duties, the General Assembly urges Attorney General Koster to refrain from any litigation regarding the constitutionality and legality of HR 3590 until such time as HR 3590 actually becomes law; and

    Be it further resolved that the Chief Clerk of the Missouri House of Representatives be instructed to prepare a properly inscribed copy of this resolution for Attorney General Koster, the Governor, and each member of the Missouri congressional delegation.

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