Universal Health Care Coverage Debate

Note: I had this post saved as a draft but was inspired to post it when I read the latest Arizona Republican Party press release.

I am going to claw my eyes out one of these days!

Every Wednesday morning from 9:00 to at least 11:00 am (today it was even later) I sit through a House Health Committee as one of six republican members. I despise this committee assignment since the majority of bills heard in this committee are stinkers. Even the Republican sponsored bills for the most part, focus expanding current government programs that offer free services or further regulation.

Today, in addition to a slew of unnecessary bills we are hearing but not voting on House Minority Leader Representative Phil Lopes (D) Universal Health Care proposal! Chairman Stump is definetly taking a risk by hearing this bill as once a bill has a hearing, any standing committee can vote on the bill without having another hearing per House rules. With committe membership skewed so that almost any bill passes out of committee, I question this move.

I find Representative Lopes Universal Health Care bill outrageous on several levels and offer these comments:

1. We are in the middle of a tremendous budget crisis with an ever-increasing shortfall. State Treasurer Dean Martin has said on several occasions that the state's money runs out in May. What is not clear about this picture Representative Lopes?
2. This would be an Arizona-specific program. Can you imagine the huge numbers of people who would flock to Arizona if this bill passed? You think we have grid-lock on our roads now, over-crowded classrooms, etc...just wait.
3. As P.J. O'Rourke famously said, "If you think health care is expensive now, wait until you see what it costs when it's free." I have yet to learn about a government program that has remained uncontaminated, uncorrupted and I cannot fathom that people think government intervention is a viable solution.
4. Rep Lopes bill mandates health care coverage for all Arizona residents. This is his answer? More mandates? Oy vey!