Eric is drafting a bill that would cut lawmakers off from their sweet, sweet health insurance deal (that taxpayers lavishly underwrite). Instead, they'd get the cash equivalent and sent out to find their own health insurance (still a hell of a good deal). All the brave free-marketeers would be set loose in the world of free enterprise to buy coverage — just like so many panicked Utahns.

Hutchings, the cunning subversive, says that the state insurance plan has kept lawmakers insulated from the nightmare faced by their constituents. You'll recall Senate President Mike Waddoups' optimistic kick-off pep talk about how things aren't that bad. We can still purchase what we need, he said, including health care, tires and even "color TVs."

Hutchings says it's time for lawmakers to fly solo in the real world:

They're going to be more effective policy makers if they're engaged in the process on a daily basis. Go in the marketplace and figure it out. Be exposed to all of the challenges, all of the setbacks, all of the restrictions.

If you want more information on lawmakers' lush PEHP health plans and Hutchings' journey to enlightenment, read Lisa Rosetta's Tribune article here.