http://www.omaha.com/article/20090814/NEWS01/708149843By GREG WEES
WORLD-HERALD NEWS SERVICE
NORFOLK, Neb. -- U.S. Sen. Mike Johanns didn't hold anything back in critiquing the health care initiative on the table in Congress -- much to the delight of those attending a town hall meeting Thursday in Norfolk.
"There is no health care bill out there today that I would vote for," Johanns said, prompting applause from the nearly 200 people gathered at Northeast Community College.
"The president would be well-served to listen to the American people, come back in September and call a timeout. . . Instead, we end up with this monstrosity," the Republican said of the 2-inch thick House bill he had with him.
One provision -- to add a new program under Medicaid, which is now funded 60 percent by the federal government and the rest by the states -- would place a $186 million financial burden on Nebraska alone, Johanns said a study shows.
Advertising
He labeled it "the mother of all unfunded mandates," again prompting applause.
While saying he didn't intend to scare people, the bill carries a price tag of $1.28 trillion, he said, and supporters are trying to find revenue to pay for it.
FULL story at link.