Montgomery, AL – The Alabama House has voted to let residents decide whether they want the state to opt out of the federal health care program supported by President Barack Obama.
The House last month debated the bill, but fell short of the 63 votes needed to pass a constitutional amendment.
The bill came up for another vote Tuesday and it passed on a 67-28 vote. Republican sponsor Rep. Blaine Galliher says the legislation is needed to prevent Alabama residents from being forced to participate in the health care program.
Democrats mostly opposed the proposal. They complained it was primarily symbolic, and that the future of the health care program will be decided in the courts.
The proposed amendment now goes to the Senate for debate.
(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)