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The new federal health care law places Florida in uncharted territory with regard to infringement by the federal government upon the rights of citizens and sovereignty of states. Florida's executive branch has initiated one of several lawsuits which challenge the constitutionality of this law.
At the same time, some state agencies have taken steps toward implementing this federal takeover of health care.
We do not have a full understanding of the consequences of their actions and whether they might unnecessarily shift control of Florida's health care system to the federal government. Agencies have taken these steps without waiting for guidance from the Florida Legislature, the arm of state government solely responsible for setting public policy.
The House is reviewing information from the agencies to determine what steps they have unilaterally taken, and intends to develop a clear, statutory framework for state action.
Florida's response needs to be deliberate and decided by elected representatives in the Legislature, not unelected agency heads.
Our federal constitution limits the federal government to a specific list of powers, and reserves all other powers to the people -- the states.
It's the duty of state lawmakers to question federalization of traditionally state activities and make deliberate decisions about whether a state will maintain its policy-making power or cede it to the federal government.
Rep. Dean Cannon, R-Winter Park, Speaker of the Florida House.