We knew it was coming.
As soon as the news broke that attorneys general in 13 states had joined forces in a lawsuit against the U.S. departments of Treasury, Labor and Health and Human Services, there was more than one person who wondered how long it would take Indiana to get involved.
Apparently, about a week.
Twelve Republicans and one Democrat filed the lawsuit almost instantly after President Barack Obama signed the bill last Tuesday morning. The states involved are Colorado, Florida, Washington, South Carolina, Idaho, Nebraska, Louisiana, Texas, South Dakota, Michigan, Alabama, Utah and Pennsylvania.
They have varying reasons for suing — most argue that forcing citizens to buy into something private is unconstitutional. White House representatives have said there were lawsuits filed when the Voting Rights Act and Social Security were passed, but the laws ultimately held up in court.
Whatever your feelings on the health care reform bill, this decision to join a lawsuit already in progress seems silly. Attorneys will be arguing this in court regardless of whether one more state joins in. Indiana is facing an ever-decreasing budget and likely a deficit when it comes time to make the next biennial budget.
Ohio Attorney General Richard Cordray told the Cleveland Plain Dealer the lawsuit would waste taxpayer money. He also called the suit frivolous and without legal merit.
But that didn't keep Indiana Attorney General Greg Zoeller from joining in the challenge to the newborn law.
"When the federal government imposes unprecedented legal obligations of this magnitude on state government, it is my obligation as Attorney General to join and participate in challenging the constitutionality of the bill," a press release on Zoeller's Web site said.
There will be a minimum $50,000 legal contract split by the states, according to the The Indianapolis Star. Additionally, the court battle will begin in Florida. The distance could end up costing Indiana more money, and Zoeller said he has not putting a spending limit on the suit for the state.
Is this really an appropriate use of time, taxpayer dollars or effort?
Is this just a case of an elected official showing party position? We don't want to be cynical, but what other reason is there for jumping into the ring after the legal process has already started?
The lawsuit wasn't going to shut down without Indiana's participation.
We are left to wonder: Are Hoosiers really best served with this decision?
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