Hopefully We Get More Than 13...

http://austin.bizjournals.com/austin...2/daily13.html

13 AGs sue federal gov over health care

Thirteen state attorney generals, including Texas' Greg Abbott, filed a lawsuit against the federal government Tuesday immediately after the signing of the health care reform bill.

"The federal health care legislation passed tonight violates the United States Constitution and unconstitutionally infringes upon Texans' individual liberties," Abbott said in a statement Monday.

Congress narrowly passed the landmark health bill March 21 and President Barack Obama signed it into law Tuesday.

The bill requires individuals to obtain insurance coverage, a stipulation the state's charge is unconstitutional and infringes on state sovereignty. Also, businesses that employ more than 50 workers would have to provide coverage or pay a $2,000-a-worker penalty if any employees receive government-subsidized coverage on their own.

“To fine or tax someone just for living … that’s unconstitutional. There is no provision in the Constitution giving Congress the power to do that,” said Florida Attorney General Bill McCollum, who also announced intentions to join the lawsuit.

He said it would require the expenditure of billions of taxpayer dollars each year, a burden that states cannot afford.

All attorneys general who are joining the suit are Republican. Other states include South Carolina, Nebraska, Michigan, Utah, Pennsylvania, Alabama, South Dakota, Louisiana, Idaho, Washington and Colorado.