Ruestman: Fighting Back

With the second week of session finishing up, we cannot help but notice a change in the Capitol this year.  There seems to be a new energy buzzing among our visitors.  Patriots have renewed their old flame and are excited about a new year and a new chance to take back government for the people.

On Wednesday a rally was held in the Rotunda for states' rights and healthcare freedom.  Many State Representatives and Senators attended on behalf of their constituents as well as many others who drove from all over the state just to be present.  We are sending a loud message to everyone else in the Capitol including our governor.

The rally supported two measures which are before the House and Senate this year.  The first one, House Joint Resolution 57, would be submitted to the voters to amend the Constitution.  It states,

"To preserve the freedom of citizens of this state to provide for their health care, no law or rule shall compel, directly or indirectly or through penalties or fines, any person, employer, or health provider to participate in any health care system.  A person or employer may pay directly for lawful health care services and shall not be required to pay penalties or fines for paying directly for lawful health care services.  A health care provider may accept direct payment for lawful health care services and shall not be required to pay penalties or fines for accepting direct payment from a person or employer for lawful health care services."

This is an effort to protect our rights to be in charge of our own health care and how we choose to pay for it.  The liberal majority in Washington wants to fine and possibly jail you for not having health insurance.  As one of the 66 cosponsors of this bill, I am confident we can pass it through the House and send it on to the Senate.  It will then go to you, the voter, to approve it on the ballot.

The other resolution being supported by the rally patriots has yet to be filed.  I have signed on as a cosponsor already and we know our constituents will get behind it as well.  This would also add a new measure to the Missouri Constitution with a vote of the people.  It simply says "The state of Missouri hereby enforces its constitutional sovereignty…under the Tenth Amendment."  You will hear more about this resolution after it has been submitted.

It is important now for everyone to stay fired up!  The Federal Government continues to push beyond its limits.  The health care reform proposal in Congress is not what the people want and it SURE isn't want Missourians want.  The Majority in Jefferson City has chosen to take a stand on these issues and others in D.C., but remember we cannot do it without YOU, the voter!

If you have problems, questions or wish to express concern over an issue, please do not hesitate to contact me or my Legislator Assistant, Jonathan, at my Capitol office either by phone 573-751-9801 or by e-mail at Marilyn{dot}Ruestman{at}house{dot}mo{dot}gov.