Howes Says Health Care Reform to Cost MN $400-Mill

Minnesota Attorney General Lori Swanson has told Governor Pawlenty that she will not challenge the new federal health care reform package, as requested by the Governor. Instead, she says she will file a friend of the court brief on behalf of the legislation.

State Representative Larry Howes, a Republican from Walker, says the unfunded federal mandate will cost Minnesota about $400 million a year.

Governor Pawlenty, considered to be likely candidate for President, says he will file his own challenge of the new legislation, claiming people should not be required to have health insurance.