Arkansas House vote threatens exchange plan

The Arkansas House kills state Insurance Department budget, jeopardizing health insurance exchange plans.

By Peter Westerman | March 29, 2011 at 02:52 PM

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) — The Arkansas House has voted down the budget for the state Insurance Department, a vote that jeopardizes a plan to create a framework for a health insurance exchange.

Tuesday's vote came after Republican Rep. Stephen Meeks said the bill contained $1 million for the state to plan the exchange as part of the federal health care overhaul.

Meeks used the term "Obamacare," which Democratic Rep. John Walker called him down for, saying it was inappropriate to personalize bills.

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The House voted 53-41 in favor of passage, but the tally fell short of the three-quarters needed for budget bills to pass.

House members then went into recess for an hour so committees could meet.

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