Pawlenty wants delegation to abandon health care bill

Posted at 2:58 PM on July 28, 2009 by Tim Pugmire (2 Comments)

Gov. Tim Pawlenty has outlined his concerns about a health care reform bill in a letter to the state's Congressional delegation.

Pawlenty says the proposed federal health care legislation fails to link quality and cost to any real value for consumers. The Republican governor is also strongly opposed to any tax increases or additional deficit spending to pay for the bill.

Pawlenty wrote that the flawed attempt would do little to solve the health care crisis facing the nation. He encouraged members of the Minnesota delegation to abandon the bill.

Last week, Pawlenty went on Fox News and described the plan as a joke and a scam. The state DFL party responded, accusing Pawlenty and other Republicans of trying to halt any reform in an attempt to score political points against President Obama.

Comments (2)

If President Obama's plan is a joke and a scam, and if the proposed health care legislation fails to link quality and cost to any real value for consumers, what is Gov. Pawlenty's federal health care plan to address quality and cost? How does he propose to offer consumers any real value in a health care plan?

As a news organization, I find it remiss on MPR's part to let any politician make a statement like that without asking him or her for an alternative plan. If the politician has one, then describe it; if he or she does not, then say that as well.

Joe Koppi
St. Paul, MN

Posted by Joe Koppi | July 28, 2009 6:47 PM

I can't think of one thing Gov. Pawlenty has done to help the health of people in MN. who do not have health care. He should either put up or be quiet. The DFL and the news media should call his bluff.
Cecelia,
Mpls, Mn.

Posted by Cecelia | July 29, 2009 1:10 PM

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