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Health Care Exchange Ballot Language Debated

Arguments were heard on Friday about whether a temporary restraining order should be issued against Missouri Secretary of State Robin Carnahan over language she approved for a ballot initiative regarding health care exchanges.  Lt. Governor Peter Kinder and Republican lawmakers say the initiative is designed to block the governor from creating an exchange by executive order.  The wording approved by Carnahan asks, in part, whether the law should “deny individuals, families and small businesses the ability to access affordable health care.” 

Attorney Jeremiah Morgan argued on behalf of Carnahan that the language is accurate: “There’s no question that efforts are being made to undermine the federal Affordable Health Care Act, and whether we, as a policy matter or a political matter, we agree with or do not agree with (it), this summary is attempting to do that.”

An attorney for the plaintiffs argued that a restraining order is needed to block Carnahan from certifying the ballot summary before a full hearing on the merits of the case can be held.  That hearing is scheduled August 28, the same day the Secretary of State is scheduled to order Missouri’s ballots printed for the November general election. 

Judge Green was expected to issue his ruling on Friday, but so far has not done so.

Marshall Griffin is the Statehouse reporter for St. Louis Public Radio.
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