Washington, Idaho To Sue Feds Over Health Care Overhaul

By Tom Banse | March 22, 2010 4:35 p.m. | Updated: June 16, 2010 11:56 p.m. | Olympia, WA

Idaho and Washington are among at least a dozen states promising to sue as soon as President Obama signs the health care overhaul into law. That could be as soon as Tuesday. Idaho's presence among the state challengers has been expected. But Washington's is a surprise.Washington state's Republican attorney general Rob McKenna is going against the wishes of other top state officials, all Democrats. He announced Washington will join a multi-state lawsuit. The case will assert it's unconstitutional for the feds to require everyone to have health insurance.McKenna also objects to what he calls an “extraordinary burden” in additional Medicaid spending required of states.“I'm hearing from the public on both sides of the question. The calls have been running heavily in favor of challenging provisions of the bill, but that's really of no moment. What matters is the constitutional issues that are involved here," he said.Democratic Governor Chris Gregoire says she is infuriated by the lawsuit and may ask for a brief opposing him. McKenna was elected separately from the governor. Meanwhile, Idaho's Governor and attorney general are consulting amicably whether to join the multi-state lawsuit or proceed with their own as directed by the Idaho Legislature.

© 2010 Northwest News Network

Share this article

Discuss

blog comments powered by Disqus

Become a sponsor