HC Reform Update from Mark Sanna: Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty, a Republican, stepped up his attack on the law in a move widely perceived as a stage dressing for his potential 2012 presidential run. Pawlenty and Gov. Donald Carcieri, Republican of Rhode Island, filed court papers opposing the health overhaul on Thursday arguing "the governors are safeguarding their citizens from 'federal abuse of the spending power.' They argue the law places liabilities on states through a Medicaid expansion." The amicus brief was filed in a Florida court where 20 other states are suing to block the overhaul. The governor had already issued an executive order banning state agencies from seeking health overhaul related funds without specific permission.