SPT Buzz: Bill Nelson supports public option but wants stronger state opt-out rules

[flpoljunkie]

(He's right. Good on Nelson!)

October 27, 2009
Bill Nelson supports public option but wants stronger state opt-out rules

Sen. Bill Nelson said he supports a public option health care plan and predicts Senate leaders will get enough support. "If there are a couple (senators) that are hanging out, the majority leader will have a prayer session with them," he said in an interview.

Nelson said he was going to meet with Sen. Harry Reid and press that the opt-out for states only kick in after a few years. As past Florida insurance commissioner, Nelson said he knows how powerful the industry can get what it wants from the Legislature.

"My concern is you don't even get the competition from a public option to begin with because the insurance lobby will lock down its votes. The people will never know in that state or not if a public option would lower their rates. You'd get a patchwork kind of effect."

Posted by Alex Leary at 06:02:38 PM on October 27, 2009

http://blogs.tampabay.com/buzz/2009/10/bill-nelson-supports-public-option-but-wants-stronger-state-optout-rules.html

[rucky]

1. I didn't expect that from the headline.

And I thought the opt-out was a good plan because it makes the insurance lobbies scramble a bit, but according to Nelson, they've already got their hooks into the state legislatures as well.

[LiberalFighter]

5. Neither did I. I like Nelson's suggestion and hope it flies.

There should be a requirement that the opt-out must pass through the state's legislative body and signed by the Governor. Don't give the Governor the right to opt-out on their own.

[Ineeda]

2. Maybe there's hope for Nelson yet.

I was having my doubts a few weeks ago when he said (paraphrasing) "We need to go slow on health care reform." :groan:

[bluestateguy]

3. Congratulations Bill! You're not worthless.

You just aren't worth very much.

[Clio the Leo]

4. One of the Nelson boys needs to change their last names...

.... because their names are just too similar and I have to do a double take to make sure I have the right one. BEN Nelson saying he suddenly supported opt out would be MAJOR of course.

And LOL at "the majority leader will have a prayer session with them."

[Blasphemer]

6. wow... wasn't expecting that at all... interesting turn of events... nt