Tim Jones: Testimony Heard Today on "Healthcare Freedom Act"

Jefferson City — The Missouri House Special Standing Committee on General Laws heard extensive testimony today on a House Joint Resolution (HJR) that would bring the proposed Health Care Freedom issues to a vote by Missouri's citizens.

HJR 57, sponsored by Rep. Tim Jones (R-Eureka) and co-sponsored by 75 of Rep. Jones' House colleagues, calls for an amendment to the Missouri Constitution to preserve and protect the right of Missourians to make their own health care and health insurance choices. Specifically, it would protect the right of Missourians to pay directly for medical services, and it would prohibit Missouri families and small businesses from being penalized for not purchasing bureaucrat-approved and mandated health insurance.

The hearing lasted over three (3) hours as citizens from across the entire State of Missouri came to support HJR 57.  Specific individuals testified in support of the Resolution and hundreds of witness support forms were received and accepted by the Committee.  Most notably, joining every day, hard working citizens from across the State of Missouri in support of HJR 57 is the Missouri State Medical Association (MSMA), which is comprised of the doctors and health care providers who know our health care system the best and are in the best position to stand up for what is the best health care options for Missouri patients.  Several other associations and industry groups submitted written testimony and witness forms in support of HJR 57.  Only one entity/individual testified in opposition to HJR 57, the Missouri Hospital Association (MHA).  MHA admitted that their only opposition to the HJR is based upon a potential negative economic impact to some of their members although it was determined that their hypotheses are speculative at this juncture.

Rep. Jones stated, "Health care choices should remain in the hands of every Missouri citizen.  This HJR is the constitutional line in the sand and a clear message to Washington.  At what cost Liberty? At what price Freedom?  I want to thank the thousands if not millions of Missourians who support this very important piece of legislation."