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7 LONG TITLE
8 General Description:
9 This concurrent resolution of the Legislature expresses a commitment to collaborate on
10 a solution for the healthcare coverage gap.
11 Highlighted Provisions:
12 This resolution:
13 ▸ recognizes that the executive and legislative branches have each proposed
14 significant solutions to cover Utahns living in the coverage gap, but need more time
15 to work together and agree on one specific resolution;
16 ▸ expresses a commitment to ongoing collaboration and negotiations; and
17 ▸ expresses a desire to reach a resolution by a target date of July 31, 2015.
18 Special Clauses:
19 None
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21 Be it resolved by the Legislature of the state of Utah, the Governor concurring therein:
22 WHEREAS, the Affordable Care Act has created a coverage gap, leaving Utah's poor
23 and needy without adequate access to healthcare;
24 WHEREAS, the Legislature recognizes the importance for individuals and families to
25 be as self-sufficient as their particular circumstances allow, as well as that the lack of access to
26 healthcare can impair a person's ability to provide for self and family;
27 WHEREAS, certainty, predictability, and maintaining the state's ability to meet its
28 financial obligations are important issues;
29 WHEREAS, the United States Supreme Court is currently considering King v. Burwell,
30 argued March 4, 2015, and will issue a decision in the coming months that could change
31 factors related to the Affordable Care Act;
32 WHEREAS, all involved agree that doing nothing in regard to healthcare is not an
33 option;
34 WHEREAS, the executive and legislative branches have each proposed significant
35 solutions to cover Utahns living in the coverage gap, but need more time to work together and
36 agree on one specific resolution on how to address this complex and weighty matter; and
37 WHEREAS, Governor Gary R. Herbert, Lieutenant Governor Spencer J. Cox, President
38 Wayne L. Neiderhauser, and Speaker Gregory H. Hughes will work to find a resolution to this
39 difficult and critical issue by a target date of July 31, 2015:
40 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Legislature of the state of Utah, the
41 Governor concurring therein, commits to the people of Utah to continue to work toward
42 finding a solution to this critical issue.
43 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, consistent with this resolution and discussions
44 between the legislative and executive branches, that the parties will continue to collaborate
45 with each other, and together negotiate with the President of the United States, Secretary
46 Burwell, and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to find a solution that works for
47 the people of Utah.
48 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, upon reaching an agreement and if necessary, that
49 Governor Gary R. Herbert may call a special session in the 2015 legislative interim for the
50 purpose of resolving this issue.