Vermont is quickly becoming the center of the debate over the future of President Obama’s health care reform law.
Not in the courts, but in the state legislature where Vermont state lawmakers are pushing ahead with a proposal exploring a single-payer health care system that would phase out most private insurance.
The move comes as a number of state consider strategies aimed at addressing the reality of implementing a health care system of their own making.
The proposal also comes in the wake of an announcement from President Obama, who is encouraging states to develop their own health-care plans as long as they comply with the federal health care law.
However, Vermont lawmakers, including Vermont governor Peter Shumlin, are facing pressure from interest groups. A new group – Vermonters for Health Care Freedom – plans a rally and briefing Wednesday beginning at 6 p.m. at the Statehouse. Sen. Randy Brock, R-Franklin, is expected to be one of the speakers. A number of state business leaders are expected to enter the debate later in the week.
