Joe Smith: August Primary: What Your "Yes" Vote Means on Proposition C

During the course of the year, I received several phone calls, letters and emails from Missouri citizens expressing their outrage with the health care legislation that President Obama, Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid have pushed through Congress.  I want my constituents to know that I share that outrage.

Under the health care bill passed by the federal government, ALL citizens must have health insurance and the type of insurance they must carry is very detailed and specific.  If a citizen refuses to purchase the plan, he or she is penalized.  I stand in utter disagreement of the federal mandate.  We should be free to make our own health care decisions, not be forced by the federal government or anyone else.  Last session, the Missouri House passed the Health Care Freedom Act on the very first day we convened in the Chamber.  This Health Care Freedom Act preserves the rights for our citizens to keep their own health insurance plan, choose the federal plan or choose any other private plan – even if that choice is to have no plan at all.  No one will be mandated and no one will be penalized.

The Health Care Freedom Act doesn't simply depend on our approval; it must be approved by a vote of the people.  Next week, you will have an opportunity to join us in our fight as you go to the polls.  A "Yes" vote on Proposition C is a "Yes" vote for freedom.  The ballot language reads:

Shall the Missouri Statutes be amended to:

1. Deny the government authority to penalize citizens for refusing to purchase private health insurance or infringe upon the right to offer or accept direct payment for lawful healthcare services.
2. Modify laws regarding the liquidation of certain domestic insurance companies?

For more information on the Health Care Freedom Act, please visit: http://www.house.mo.gov/billtracking/bills101/biltxt/truly/HB1764T.HTM

On August 3rd, Missouri will be the first state in the nation to have a vote on this issue, and everyone will be watching.  This will be an opportunity for us to stand up to Nancy Pelosi and President Obama and make it clear that we cherish our freedom and want to keep it.  It will also allow Missouri to serve as a role model for other states around the country who oppose the federal health care mandate.  If approved by Missouri citizens, it will become a statute and will be upheld, regardless of the federal mandate.  Please join me in voting "YES" on Proposition C this Tuesday, August 3rd.