UT bid to opt out of health reform advances

Sen. Stuart Adams on Thursday won preliminary endorsement of his controversial Health Care Compact bill. Its chances of passage are anything but certain, with powerful lobbying interests such as the Utah Hospital Association jockeying to kill it. Opponents argue it would cost the state at least $62 million in federal funding, create another layer of government and put health care for seniors, people with disabilities and vulnerable children at risk. To date, four states have pledged to join the compact, which must be approved by Congress. Two governors have vetoed the idea, including Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer.