After Florida Health Law Decision, Alaska Refuses To Apply For Exchange Grants
National Journal: Alaska Governor Refusing To Apply For Exchange Grants
Alaska Gov. Sean Parnell said he can't apply for federal grants needed to implement the health care law because of Florida federal court Judge Roger Vinson's ruling that the legislation is unconstitutional. The Republican had until today to apply for grants to develop a state health insurance exchange for individuals and small businesses to comparison-shop for affordable insurance plans. "The Florida court's declaratory judgment that the federal health care law is unconstitutional is the 'law of the land' as it applies to Alaska, and we will not proceed down an unlawful course to implement it," Parnell said in a statement (Fung, 2/18).
Politico Pro: Judge Vinson In A Hurry
Judge Roger Vinson said he will "promptly" consider the federal government's request to clarify his January ruling striking down the health care overhaul and hinted at frustration with the request. Vinson, a senior judge in the Northern District of Florida, declared the individual mandate unconstitutional and struck down the entire law on Jan. 31. "The defendants have now, two and one-half weeks later, filed a motion to 'clarify' that order," he wrote in a short memo released late Friday, including the quotes around the word clarify (Haberkorn, 2/22).
