The office of the Attorney General of Michigan published the following statement today:

"LANSING - Michigan Attorney General Mike Cox today announced that Michigan has joined the State of Florida in a lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of health care legislation passed by the U.S. House of Representatives Sunday night (H.R. 3590).

"Congress' attempt to force Michigan families to buy health insurance - or else - raises serious constitutional concerns," said Cox.  "We will fight to defend the individual rights and freedoms of Michigan citizens against this radical overreach by the federal government."    

Michigan joined several states in Florida's legal challenge to H.R. 3590.  The lawsuit challenges Congressional authority under the U.S. Constitution to enact an individual mandate compelling Michigan citizens to purchase health insurance or face large fines.

Cox also expressed concern about the continued inclusion of the so-called "Cornhusker Kickback" in legislation.  The "Kickback" allows the State of Nebraska to avoid paying its fair share of an expansion of Medicaid by forcing taxpayers in states like Michigan to pick up the $100 million tab.

In December, Cox joined a bi-partisan group of Attorneys General from across the country opposing the kickback and demanding Congress remove the unfair provision or potentially face legal action."