United States Senator Tom Coburn is a Republican from Oklahoma. Coburn led the two-hour hearing at the College of Charleston on behalf of the US Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. Coburn praised Sanford for his "bold plan."

Four other panelists who were selected by Coburn with Sanford's input also lauded the plan.

Democrats were allowed one appointee. Judith Solomon is a senior fellow at the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities. She says many of Sanford's goals could be accomplished without federal intervention.

The governor says his plan would save the state $300 million over five years. Critics say the plan would have higher administrative costs and would make it more difficult for the poor to access health care.

Posted 11:36am by Bryce Mursch