Amash supports state amendment to preserve health care freedom

Mon, Mar 22, 2010

In the wake of news that House Democrats have approved the Obama-Pelosi national health care plan, state representative and Third District congressional candidate Justin Amash today stated his support for a ballot initiative that would amend Michigan’s constitution to prevent residents from being forced to participate in government-run health care. The Obama-Pelosi plan requires Americans to purchase government-approved health care services or face a substantial penalty.

The Michigan ballot initiative uses the language of Amash’s August 2009 House Joint Resolution Z, which states in part: “A law or rule shall not compel, directly or indirectly, any person, employer, or health care provider to participate in any health care system. A person or employer shall not be required to pay penalties or fines for paying directly for lawful health care services.”

Amash, R-Cascade, State Representative Brian Calley, R-Portland, and State Representative Tom McMillin, R-Rochester Hills, are advocating statewide this week in support of the initiative.

“The federal government under its limited constitutional powers is not permitted to force Americans to purchase health care,” said Amash. “We are not going to sit back and accept this violation of our rights. The government must answer to the people it represents. I urge everyone in Michigan to support this initiative.”