(Photo by Stephen Koranda)Kansas Governor Sam Brownback signed a controversial bill today (WED) that could lead to a state takeover of Medicare from the federal government. Jim McLean of the KHI News Service has more from the Statehouse in Topeka.
(newscast version for Thursday morning)
KS Gov Signs Controversial Health Compact Bill
Governor Sam Brownback is defending his decision to sign a controversial health care bill. Among other things, the measure could give the state control of federal healthcare programs, like Medicare. The governor says he signed the bill to protect Medicare from Obamacare cuts. But as Jim McLean of the KHI News Serice reports, critics of the legislation are challenging the accuracy of the governor's claim.
(AP version)
KS Joining Compact Against Federal Health Law
TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) _ Kansas is joining a proposed compact with other states hoping to exempt themselves from the federal health care overhaul. Republican Governor Sam Brownback announced yesterday (WED)
that he signed a compact bill passed by the GOP-dominated Legislature earlier this month.
The new law takes effect July 1. The compact would let participating states remove themselves from all federal health regulations if Congress consents. Many Republicans strongly oppose the federal health care law championed by Democratic President Barack Obama.
Critics of the bill questioned whether Congress would approve a compact. They also suggested member states could cut Medicare benefits for seniors. Brownback said the federal health overhaul represents a bigger threat.
The Texas-based group pushing the compact says eight other states have enacted similar laws, including Missouri.
