Ohio Tea Party seeks to void reforms in state
By MARC KOVAC
mkovac@dixcom.com
COLUMBUS
A coalition of Ohio Tea Party groups unveiled a proposed constitutional amendment that members say would prevent new federal health-insurance mandates from taking effect in the state.
The Ohio Liberty Council submitted its petition language Monday to the Ohio secretary of state and attorney general, both of which must sign off on before signature gathering begins.
“No one’s opposed to access [to health care and insurance],” said Chris Littleton, council president, representing more than 25 Tea Party and related groups. “This is less of an argument about access for us than it is an argument about personal choice. We really sincerely believe this is an infringement on personal liberties. And at some point it just has to stop.”
The move came less than 24 hours after the U.S. House approved a long-debated health-care reform package that proponents believe will provide affordable coverage for the uninsured.
The federal legislation includes provisions requiring individuals to buy health insurance and companies to provide benefits to their employees, with fines for those who fail to do so.
The constitutional amendment proposed by the Ohio Liberty Council would prohibit any law or rule that forces individuals, employers or health-care providers to buy or sell health care or insurance or levies a fine against those who choose not to participate.
It would cover the new federal law, plus any others brought at the national, state or local levels.
The paperwork submitted to the attorney general is the first step in placing the issue before voters. The group would need more than 400,000 valid signatures to place the amendment on the November ballot.
Maurice Thompson, serving as legal counsel for the Tea Party groups, said he is prepared to file suit if the state offices fail to certify the petition language.