Beware of Confusing Language in Proposition C

Today, I heard a local talk radio show host discussing the August 3 ballot item entitled Proposition C. He said that he had just heard about the proposal two weeks before and had no idea what it was. It then struck me: Way too many people have no clue what "Propostion C" means.

So, for those of you who don't know, here's my shot simply explaining it . When President Obama and the Democrats in Congress passed the health care takeover, they mandated that every American citizen buy health insurance or face a fine (it will fade in). On August 3, voters from across Missouri will have the chance to exempt ourselves from this mandate.

But, it's not quite that easy. Leave it to the government to complicate things! We finally have the chance to reach a great accomplishment, but they had to make the ballot language complicated.

Here is the explanation on Secretary of State Robin Carnahan's website:

"The following ballot measure has been certified for the August 3, 2010 election.

Official Ballot TitleProposition C

[Full text]

[Proposed by the 95th General Assembly (Second Regular Session) SS SCS HCS HB 1764]

Official Ballot Title:

Shall the Missouri Statutes be amended to:

Deny the government authority to penalize citizens for refusing to purchase private health insurance or infringe upon the right to offer or accept direct payment for lawful healthcare services?

Modify laws regarding the liquidation of certain domestic insurance companies?
It is estimated this proposal will have no immediate costs or savings to state or local governmental entities. However, because of the uncertain interaction of the proposal with implementation of the federal Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, future costs to state governmental entities are unknown.

Fair Ballot Language:

A "yes" vote will amend Missouri law to deny the government authority to penalize citizens for refusing to purchase private health insurance or infringe upon the right to offer or accept direct payment for lawful healthcare services. The amendment will also modify laws regarding the liquidation of certain domestic insurance companies.

A "no" vote will not change the current Missouri law regarding private health insurance, lawful healthcare services, and the liquidation of certain domestic insurance companies.
If passed, this measure will have no impact on taxes."

Simply stated, you should vote YES for Proposition C on August 3rd in order to secure your right to choose whether you have health insurance or not.