LANSING, Mich. (Nov. 29, 2012) – A Michigan House committee has voted down legislation that would have authorized setting up a state-run insurance exchange under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.

Following extensive and spirited testimony from the assembled speakers on Thursday, the vote was 9-5 against House bill 3, substitute for Senate Bill 693, introduced by Sen. Jim Marleau. Two representatives abstained.

An intrepid group of Michigan Patriots from across the state, and with various affiliations, testified against state implementation of Obamacare exchanges.

The Tenth Amendment, nullification and interposition positions were well-articulated by the independent thinkers and grass roots activists. Tenth Amendment Center, Campaign for Liberty, Americans for Prosperity and Oath Keepers were among the groups with volunteer representation at the hearing speaking against the enabling legislation. Supporters of the Trojan Horse State Exchange proposal appeared to be primarily paid corporate and bureaucratic lobbyists, according to Health Freedom supporters on the ground.

Chairwoman Gail Haines gave Dennis Marburger, Tenth Amendment Center and Campaign for Liberty, the honor of being the lead-off public speaker. Subsequently,  Mary MacMaster noted that prominent local broadcaster Frank Beckmann, of WJR-AM 760  reported that the state run exchange has been voted down, and that it will not come out of committee. He said he received this info through Michigan Speaker of the House Jase Bolger. According to the report, there were too many unanswered questions about the exchanges and the ramifications of passing such a bill.

Rumors are flying that there may be an attempt by someone in the state government pull a fast one. Some residents are concerned that Gov. Snyder will issue an executive order and do an end-run around the people and the legislature – or that Speaker Bolger will issue a discharge to get the bill to the floor.

“There will be much upset if either one does that, as folks are feeling feisty, and not be trifled with by their employees,” Marburger said.

This victory, however fleeting, is a necessary first step to preventing increased political manipulation of health care and insurance in our state and nation. The drive toward separation of medicine and state, as well as the abolition of Federal intervention into areas unauthorized by the Constitution, has a long way to go.

“The message of freedom is resonating loudly in Michigan and the work of the Tenth Amendment Center has a lot to do with that. The spirit of ’98 lives in the Wolverine State,” Marburger said.

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