The Governor and Legislative leaders are letting the Attorney General know there’s little chance the state will file a lawsuit challenging federal health care reforms.
Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen sent a letter Tuesday morning, requesting authorization for the state to file a lawsuit against the bill that was signed into law earlier this week. Van Hollen believes the bill is unconstitutional because it mandates individuals purchase insurance coverage. The Attorney General can only launch a legal battle if the Governor or Legislature requests the action.
Van Hollen didn’t have to wait long for a response. Within just a few hours, Governor Jim Doyle sent a letter back to the Attorney General saying he would not grant permission for a lawsuit. Doyle called the request an attempt to deny tens of thousands of Wisconsinites access to health care.
Van Hollen received a similar response from Legislative leaders. Senate Majority Leader Russ Decker (D-Wausau) says he won’t allow the use of scarce state resources to defend insurance companies. Assembly Speaker Mike Sheridan (D-Janesville) says also has no plans to authorize a lawsuit.
AUDIO: Andrew Beckett reports (:36)