The Senate spent Wednesday afternoon debating the merits of national health care, state sovereignty and passing measures that would allow the state to opt out of a national health care plan — if such a plan is ever created.

By the end of the day, the Senate passed three measures voicing opposition to a nationalized health care plan. The measures include a proposed constitutional amendment to prohibit the state’s "forced participation” in a health system.

The joint resolutions are in response to plans by President Barack Obama and Congress to reform the nation’s health care system. Obama is expected to meet with a bipartisan group to discuss health care reform today. Obama released his proposal for a national health care plan Monday.

Senate Joint Resolution 59, filed by Sen. Dan Newberry, R-Tulsa, would allow voters to pass a constitutional amendment to prevent Oklahomans from having to take part in a national health care system. After nearly two hours of debate, the measure passed the Senate 30-16, with five Democrats backing the Republican proposal. Sen. Sean Burrage, D-Claremore was absent.

"The point of this bill is to send a statement to Washington that says we don’t agree with Obama care,” Newberry said.

Newberry said 35 other states are considering similar provisions in response to a proposed national health care plan.

Sen. Jay Paul Gumm, D-Durant, pointed out that the state already sent Obama a message when "not a single county voted for him for president.”

Gumm argued that a proposed constitutional amendment was not the way to address a perceived conflict between states’ rights and the reach of the federal government.

Several Democrats pointed out that a national health care plan could help the thousands of Oklahomans who don’t have health insurance or can’t get coverage because they have pre-existing conditions.

Sen. Tom Adelson, D-Tulsa, said Oklahomans could be taxed to help pay for a national health care plan and not be able to opt into the plan if the state constitution has provisions that forbid the state’s participation.

"You’re going to be taxed anyway, but if this works we wouldn’t have the option to take advantage of it,” he said. "Let’s not engage in bad policy just because it’s good politics.”

The title is off SJR 59 and a title is needed for legislation to become law. A title can be restored at any time in the legislative process. The measure now heads to the House.

Two other measures to address a proposed national health care plan also passed the Senate, where Republicans have a 25-22 majority. Sen. Mike Mazzei, a Tulsa Republican, has taken a leave of absence from the 48-member chamber after suffering a back injury in a car accident.

Senate President Pro Tempore Glenn Coffee, R-Oklahoma City, wrote two measures challenging a nationalized health care plan.

SJR 58 seeks to allow Oklahoma to opt out of a national health care plan and instead receive block grants to administer its own Medicaid program. That measure passed 35-11.

SJR 64 directs the attorney general to file a lawsuit challenging whether the federal government has the power to force states to take part in a national health care plan.

That measure passed 29-16.

The measures now go to the House.

Let’s not engage in bad policy just because it’s good politics.”

Sen. Tom Adelson