First Democratic AGs come out against Nebraska health care deal

[highplainsdem]

http://www.legalnewsline.com/news/224921-first-democratic-ags-come-out-against-nebraska-health-care-deal

FRIDAY, JANUARY 08, 2010 8:19:00 PM

First Democratic AGs come out against Nebraska health care deal
BY CHRIS RIZO

COLUMBUS, Ohio (Legal Newsline)-At least two Democrats on Friday became the first came out against a provision in the federal health care overhaul being debated in Congress that would allow Nebraska to avoid increased Medicaid costs.

Ohio Attorney General Richard Cordray of sent a letter to his state's congressional delegation, urging them to strip the controversial provision from the bill, while Arizona Attorney General Terry Goddard drafted a proposed letter he sent to his state's Republican governor, Jan Brewer, asking her to join him in sending, decrying the deal.

The provision in the Senate-approved health care plan that exempts Nebraska from having to pay Medicaid expense increases was inserted into the bill to gain the support of Sen. Ben Nelson, a Democrat, who offered the 60th and final vote late last month needed to pass the plan aimed at expanding access to health care.

More than a dozen Republican attorneys general have threatened legal action if the provision is enacted. On Friday, Goddard and Cordray became the first Democratic AGs to come out publicly against the provision known as the Cornhusker Kickback and the Nebraska Compromise.

Goddard's letter follows his rejecting earlier calls by Brewer to investigate the constitutionality of the Nebraska Deal. Goddard, who is widely expected to run for governor this year against Brewer, responded to the governor's request, saying her request was premature, noting that the federal health care bill has not been finalized.

However, in his letter proposed letter to the Arizona delegation, Goddard expresses strong opposition to the "sweetheart deal" for Nebraska, denouncing it as "poor public policy and not in the best interest of Arizona or the nation," a statement said.

-snip-

[LiberalFighter]

1. What is the basis for their challenge?