Minn. rally shows GOP rift on health exchange bill
A rally in the Capitol rotunda Thursday highlights a Republican rift over a piece of the federal health care overhaul.
Several Republican lawmakers are appearing to oppose a GOP bill that would establish a state health insurance exchange. The federal law requires states to start the exchanges for consumers to buy insurance when the overhaul takes full effect in 2014.
The Citizens Council for Health Freedom rally features GOP Reps. Doug Wardlow and Mary Franson and Sens. Gretchen Hoffman and Sean Nienow. They are backing legislation to prohibit the exchange.
The exchange bill has nine Republican sponsors including Reps. Steve Gottwalt, Joe Hoppe and Joyce Peppin.
Supporters including business groups want Minnesota to set up the exchange instead of letting the federal government do it.
(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
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