If you live in Texas and you're concerned about ObamaCare (especially its burdensome hidden tax hikes), there is some good news for you to report from the Texas State Legislature.
Tomorrow, Thursday, March 17, at 10:30am local time or upon adjournment of the Texas House of Representatves, the State Sovereignty Committee will be in room E2.010 for a hearing about House Joint Resolution 24, the Health Freedom Act. Sponsored by Rep. Ken Paxton (R-McKinney), this constitutional amendment keeps individuals in control of their own health care instead of allowing the government to make or influence choices for us.
The Health Freedom Act is a popular measure that has been filed in 41 separate states across the county. Last year, several states, including Arizona, Missouri, and Oklahoma, passed ballot measures declaring their rights to health care freedom in some cases by overwhelming margins. NTU and its members have been strong supporters of these measures.
According to the sponsor's office, this constitutional amendment will:
- Amend Article 1 of the state constitution to prohibit the state, a state agency, a state official, or a political subdivision from enacting, effectuating, collecting, or enforcing a penalty or sanction that would deny an individual's right to choose their health insurance coverage,
- Protect an individual's ability to participate or not to participate in the health care system, free of penalties or sanctions and the right of individuals to purchase lawful services without fear of penalties or sanctions,
- Prevent the state legislature from over-reaching on any future health care reform initiatives in the way Congress over-reached on the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (aka ObamaCare), and
- Keep individuals in control of their own health care instead of allowing the government to make or influence choices for us.
This is an important measure and attending the hearing will be well worth your time. You can show your support by signing a witness affirmation card in favor of the bill at the hearing. Take a few minutes out of your day to stop by the Texas State House to show your support for health care freedom!