Incoming Wire: SC Obamacare Debate

We get lots of tips, letters and questions. And we’re going to try and do a better job answering/ addressing them.

For example, from our incoming wire …

First I get wind of legislation in the house that would “nullify” Obamacare. Worthy effort. I then hear the legislation passed the S.C. House and went to the State Senate where I’ve heard nothing.

Then I read a workup in a constitution oriented blog.

So I’m getting excited over the possibility South Carolina might actually show some defiance toward our federal overlords.

Then I hear the legislation is lodged in Sen. Hugh Leatherman’s Finance committee where a certain death is predicted.

I get the feeling SC will indeed set up exchanges despite the words of our governor.

SIC SEZ

Just to make sure we’re clear there are three Obamacare-related issues here … 1) whether South Carolina will run one of the Obamacare exchanges (or let the feds do it), 2) whether the state will further expand its Medicaid rolls as part of the new law’s implementation and 3) whether South Carolina will attempt to nullify the implementation of Obamacare within its borders.

The first decision has already been made (albeit not without some drama). South Carolina is not participating in the exchanges.

As for the second decision, the S.C. House has voted against the Obamacare Medicaid expansion – and Gov. Nikki Haley has pledged to veto it. That means it’s going to take a lot for such a proposal to make iOf course Haley has done pretty well expanding Medicaid in the Palmetto State without Obama’s help – with an estimated 130,000 new program enrollees projected for the coming year (and a $600 million increase in Medicaid spending).

On the nullification question, you’re correct – it’s even money whether such a bill will pass the left-leaning State Senate, which is why its proponents are already ramping up their rhetoric.

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