Las Vegas Sun

March 18, 2024

Gibbons sets up ‘Constitution Defense Fund’ to fight health reform

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Gov. Jim Gibbons

Gov. Jim Gibbons today announced the formation of a fund to raise money for Nevada's fight against the health care reform law signed by President Obama.

Gibbons said his office has received inquiries from citizens who want to assist in the fight against what he called the "Reid/Pelosi/Obama Nationalized Health Care Plan." In response, Gibbons set up what his office is calling the "Constitution Defense Fund."

Gibbons announced this week that Las Vegas attorney Mark Hutchison and several other attorneys will work without compensation to represent the state, but the state could face legal costs of about $3,500 because of shared costs with other states also suing the federal government. The governor is asking for private funds to pay those costs.

A statement from the governor's office said, "the small costs to fight the health care plan are well worth it because the health care plan will cost Nevada taxpayers billions of dollars over several years ... The Reid/Pelosi/Obama Nationalized Health Care Plan is an insult to all Nevada citizens because it tramples the U.S. Constitution by requiring all citizens to purchase health insurance."

The Republican governor has been publicly feuding with Attorney General Catherine Cortez Masto, who refused his directive to sue the federal government over the bill passed by Congress and signed last month by Obama.

After Gibbons made his announcement Tuesday on the legal action, Cortez Masto issued a statement saying her office "is now in the regrettable position of having to consider the necessary legal options to take in response to the governor's most recent action."

Gibbons said those who want to contribute can send donations to the following address: Constitution Defense Fund, c/o Hutchison and Steffen, Peccole Professional Park, 10080 West Alta Drive, Suite 200, Las Vegas, NV 89145.

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