Texas House Bill HCR72

Texas 2013 - 83rd Regular

Caption

Rejecting unlimited submission to the current administration and Congress, reaffirming the sovereignty of our state, and opposing taxes imposed on the citizens of Texas by the passage of the Affordable Care Act.

Impact

The resolution emphasizes the economic ramifications of the health insurance tax, citing estimates that suggest its implementation could result in the loss of 6,000 private sector jobs, as well as billions of dollars in lost sales for Texas businesses. The text underscores that the financial burden created by the tax will disproportionately affect small businesses, leading to increased insurance premiums for consumers. It references various government studies and reports to support its claims about the negative impact of the tax on both job creation and overall healthcare accessibility within the state.

Summary

HCR72 is a concurrent resolution that aims to reject the notion of unlimited submission to the federal government as well as reaffirm the sovereignty of Texas as a state. The resolution argues against the health insurance tax imposed by the Affordable Care Act (ACA), framing it as an infringement on state rights and an unconstitutional federal overreach. The authors of HCR72 assert that the health insurance tax not only undermines the autonomy of Texas but also increases government expenses and creates potential job losses within the state's economy.

Conclusion

HCR72 reflects broader debates in Texas concerning federal authority and state autonomy, particularly in relation to healthcare legislation. It encapsulates concerns about the fiscal impacts of federal policies on state economies, particularly for small businesses and job markets. As Texas navigates the complexities of the ACA and its associated taxes, this resolution represents a clear stance against federal intervention in state matters, advocating for the preservation of Texas's rights and responsibilities.

Contention

A significant point of contention surrounding HCR72 is its assertion that the health insurance tax is a direct violation of the Tenth Amendment, which reserves powers not delegated to the federal government to the states. Proponents of the resolution argue that allowing such federal taxation undermines local self-governance and Texas's ability to manage its own economic and health-related policies. Meanwhile, opponents may argue that such a stance could hinder efforts to provide necessary healthcare services to residents, as well as complicate the relationship between state and federal governments.