Republican Kansas Gov. Sam Brownback today came out against creating the health insurance exchanges that are part of President Barack Obama's health-care plan.

“Kansans feel Obamacare is an overreach by Washington and have rejected the state’s participation in this federal program," Brownback said in a statement.

"My administration will not partner with the federal government to create a state-federal partnership insurance exchange because we will not benefit from it and implementing it could cost Kansas taxpayers millions of dollars.

"Any other elected official who supports implementation of a federal-state partnership exchange should pursue legislation in the 2013 legislative session where lawmakers can debate and vote on the proposal.”

The exchanges are designed to be an online marketplace where individuals and small businesses can compare and buy private insurance plans

The governor's announcement drew immediate praise from the conservative, anti-tax group Americans for Prosperity.

"AFP applauds Gov. Brownback for his principled stand to reject a state government health insurance exchange in Kansas. Other governors should join Brownback in sending a strong message to Washington,” said Nicole Kaeding, AFP state policy manager.