Haslam Dispatch from GOP Governors Meeting: ‘I Oppose the Affordable Care Act’

Governor Bill Haslam is still considering whether Tennessee will create a health insurance exchange. Photo credit Tennessee Photographic Services

A few days hanging out with other Republican governors has Tennessee’s Bill Haslam trying to clarify his position on Obamacare. A statement released Friday says, “Let me be clear, I oppose the Affordable Care Act.”

Haslam has been saying for the last few weeks that he’s leaning toward the state running it’s own health insurance exchange as envisioned in the President’s health care overhaul. Other Republican governors – as close by as Alabama – say the federal government can figure it out.

Haslam says he needs more information. And Friday he got a deadline extension from the Obama Administration until December 14th.

While Tennessee is being relatively cooperative, Haslam doesn’t want to be confused for a supporter, saying he shares the “frustrations” of Obamacare critics. But in a written statement he says, “I believe it is my job to put emotions aside and to make the tough decisions on the serious issues.”