Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Legislative Ethics topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Floor amendment to make lawmakers share HMO premium increase fails
Summary
Representative Zabner's proposal to require lawmakers to absorb the same 3.5% premium increase as proposed for HMOs failed after a recorded vote; proponents argued fairness, opponents questioned germaneness and broader budget impacts.
Representative Zabner introduced an amendment proposing that legislators pay the same 3.5% increase in health-care premiums being considered for HMOs, arguing that lawmakers should share the burden rather than place it on working Iowans. His opening said the measure was "a simple amendment" asking that those who benefit from government-sponsored health care also share increases proposed for the public.
Zabner moved to suspend the rules for immediate consideration and requested a recorded division. The motion and accompanying amendment went to a roll-call vote and failed; the clerk recorded 33 ayes and 60 no. Supporters framed it as a matter of fairness; opponents treated it as nongermane or procedurally improper and the chair ruled accordingly.
