Maine Formally Joins Multi-State Health Care Lawsuit

January 20, 2011

AUGUSTA ? Maine Attorney General William Schneider announces the decision of United States District Judge Roger Vinson to allow Maine to join the health care lawsuit.

?Judge Vinson has granted the motion by the State of Florida to include Maine and five other states in the lawsuit to challenge the constitutionality of certain provisions of the health care reform law. I am pleased that Maine will have an opportunity to be part of this lawsuit as I believe the foundation of the health care law is an impermissible expansion of the powers granted to the federal government by the United States Constitution.

This lawsuit is not about whether citizens should or should not have health care. All citizens should have access to good quality and affordable health care. However, the repairs to the system cannot be based on an unconstitutional foundation. The federal health care reform law mandates all citizens to purchase health insurance or pay a costly penalty. This would be an unprecedented expansion of federal power, violating the United States Constitution.

I have heard from many Mainers with their concerns regarding the anticipated cost incurred by the state for participation in this lawsuit. The cost to Maine to join the Florida lawsuit has been negligible and will be minimal in the future, contrary to some well-publicized estimates,? Attorney General Schneider said.

CONTACT: Martha Demeritt (207) 626-8599

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