State Senate Republicans say Democrats aren't doing enough to pass health care reforms. Senate Minority Leader Scott Fitzgerald (R-Juneau) says Democrats were quick to criticize the GOP last session about a lack of action on health care, and now he has similar concerns. Fitzgerald says the Senate is almost two months in to the current session without any formal health care plans being proposed by majority Democrats.
Senator Jon Erpenbach (D-Middleton) was among several lawmakers who fired back at Fitzgerald during Tuesday's floor session. The Middleton Democrat says they're working on proposals, but he's also urging patience. Erpenbach accused Republicans of blocking health care reform for six years, while Democrats have only been in the majority for just over a month.
Senator Bob Jauch (D-Poplar) also says Republicans are in no place to criticize any delay. The Poplar Democrat compared criticism from Fitzgerald and Republicans to being lectured by Saddam Hussein on the virtues of Democracy.
Democrats plan to hold hearings next month on health care proposals and also point to reforms included in the Governor's budget plan.