For Immediate Release
March 26, 2010
Contact: Casey Long
(717) 787-7084
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Scarnati to Sponsor Constitutional Amendment 

WARREN—Senate President Pro Tempore Joe Scarnati said he is planning to introduce an amendment to Pennsylvania’s Constitution that would prohibit government from mandating that an individual participate in a given healthcare system.

"Clearly, the healthcare reform legislation passed by Congress crosses the line in many different aspects of personal freedoms and governmental intrusion," Scarnati said.  "States have the right to protect our citizens from undue burdens and mandates placed on them by the federal government.  Therefore, I find it imperative that the General Assembly of the Commonwealth amend the state’s Constitution to reflect a person’s right to choose their own healthcare policy."

"I recognize the demand for accessible, affordable healthcare, but this legislation does neither and quite frankly, places government in between solid healthcare decisions involving doctors and patients," Scarnati stated.  "I agree that healthcare reform is needed, but in this case…Congress must do better."

Scarnati also mentioned that the amendment would prohibit the imposition of fines or penalties on an individual who declines to participate in any healthcare system. 

"Unfortunately, legislation passed by Congress would force citizens to purchase health insurance by 2014 or face a tax up to 2.5 percent of their total household income," Scarnati added.  "Without question, this mandate is unconstitutional and it is now up to the states to defend the rights of our citizens from this unmistakable takeover of rights by the federal government."

"Not only does the legislation passed by Congress threaten individual rights, it threatens the economic vitality of this country and state," Scarnati concluded.  "I cannot in good conscience allow the worst public policy decision in decades to destroy the fabric of our entire healthcare system.  With over a $1 trillion price tag and further costs down the road placed on the taxpayers, it is imperative that the states do everything in our power to protect the citizens."