Governor Tim Pawlenty has effectively blocked Minnesota from receiving specific federal funds that are available under the new health insurance legislation. Pawlenty, who could be a presidential candidate in 2012, ordered that Minnesota isn"t allowed to receive federal money for grant funding and demonstration projects for reform unless he approves it.
Pawlenty believes health care reform burdens states and encroaches upon personal liberties reports The Wall Street Journal. Many Democrats have said the governor is just trying to boost his image and presidential ambitions with Republican voters who are opposed to health care reform. But Mr. Pawlenty stated his actions have nothing to do with his personal political agenda.
What Governor Pawlenty has done is show how much power individual states possess when it comes to implementing the new health legislation. Democrats said that a state law that was passed earlier in the year requires Minnesota to apply to receive $1 million to help launch a state health insurance exchange program. However Pawlenty doesn"t plan on applying for the health insurance exchange subsidy ahead of the deadline in 2014.
The governor also turned down Minnesota"s application for an $850,000 grant regarding a teen pregnancy prevention program. But, he did approve one for $500,000 to help promote abstinence, which means the state will have to pay $379,000 to match federal money.
The long and short of the situation is that many people feel Minnesota residents will suffer as they’re not getting some health insurance benefits they could get. And Pawlenty"s political beliefs are preventing Minnesota from taking part of health care reform.