Koster files amicus brief that questions individual mandate

Missouri Attorney General Chris Koster filed an amicus brief in the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals that questions the Constitutionality of the Obama Administration’s Health Care law.

Koster joined the state of Florida in questioning the individual mandate.

Missouri voters passed a referendum last year that prohibits the federal government from requiring people to purchase health insurance.

Republican state Senator Jason Crowell reacted favorably to Koster’s decision.

“He is a Democrat. He is our state’s chief law enforcement officer. And he’s putting his duties as chief law enforcement officer over his affiliation as a Democrat and I applaud him,” Crowell said.

Crowell also recognizes that Koster’s amicus brief will have little to no impact on the court’s decision. An amicus brief is a so-called ‘friend of the court’ statement that outlines the issuer’s thoughts on a case. Therefore, Missouri did not join Florida’s lawsuit, as both house of Missouri’s legislature encouraged Koster to do through non-binding resolutions.

Jacob McCleland, KRCU

Posted in: Chris Koster,health care,individual mandate,Jason Crowell