An Oregon House Democrat broke ranks Monday and helped Republicans stall a key health insurance bill, throwing into question the delicate balance of power at the Legislature.
Rep. Mike Schaufler, of Happy Valley, provided the sole Democratic vote that sent a bill setting up health insurance exchanges back to committee and to an uncertain future.
The bill, which Democratic Gov. John Kitzhaber wants as part of his package of health care reforms, now becomes a chip in the end-of-session horse-trading over bills Republicans want.
...
Kitzhaber spokesman Tim Raphael said the health insurance exchange bill, which is aimed at making coverage affordable to small businesses and individuals, sailed out of its initial committee with an 8-0 vote. "We expect it to pass," he said.
http://www.oregonlive.com/politics/index.ssf/2012/02/a_democrat_defects_in_the_oreg.html
Hat tip: Oregon Live
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