Put Scott on the record for state sovereignty

Add Sen. Delbert Scott, R-Lowry City, to the list of those fighting to protect the average Missouri citizen from those evildoers in the federal government:

Last year I touched on the importance of protecting our constitutional rights by proposing an amendment reaffirming a citizen's right to free expression of religion. This year I've signed on to cosponsor a similar amendment that would let our federal government know states such as Missouri always had and will continue to have the right to govern themselves.

Senate Joint Resolution 25 will allow Missourians to retain the right to choose their own medical and insurance options. Right now, the federal government is debating a bill in Washington, D.C., that would reform health care insurance as we know it. Fortunately, the federal health care legislation is stalling, with disagreements over the public option, abortion, and cost of the health care overhaul proving to be the major issues among our national lawmakers.

Even though this debate is happening hundreds of miles from Missouri, potential effects from this proposed legislation are already being recognized in our state by many concerned citizens. That's why many of my colleagues and I have signed on to a measure that would let those officials in Washington know that we are taking a stand and protecting our right to govern our own state.

Senate Joint Resolution 25 would prohibit laws interfering with freedom of choice in health care. This joint resolution, supported by several of my fellow lawmakers, would protect our state's citizens from federal health care mandates — allowing Missourians to choose what medical insurance options work best for them. As one of the 20 cosponsors to this measure, I want to ensure that we protect Missourians by providing safeguards for small businesses from payroll penalties and make sure people are not punished for refusing to purchase a health care plan that is not right for them and their families.

The Senate Committee on Governmental Accountability and Fiscal Oversight recently heard testimony on SJR 25. A large audience attended the hearing, which reaffirms the importance of this measure — Missourians have the right to choose their own health care and insurance options.

With the committee's approval, SJR 25 would be sent to the full Senate for debate. Joint resolutions are used to submit a proposed constitutional amendment to a vote of the people. It requires the same treatment as a bill in its passage through both the Senate and House and has the force of law, but does not require the governor's signature. Upon voter approval, SJR 25 would ensure everyone's right to their own health care decisions.