The U.S. Supreme Court decision on Thursday upholding the Patient Protection and Affordable Health Care law, known as 'Obama-care,' brought swift and divided reaction from elected politicians and Decision 2012 candidates in the tri-state area.
The Republican governors of Pa. and NJ both expressed disappointment in the ruling. Tom Corbett (R-Pa.) and Chris Christie (R-NJ) also support likely GOP presidential nominee Mitt Romney who vows a repeal of Obama-care if he's elected.
Michael Nutter, the Democratic Mayor of Philadelphia, who recently was named President of The U.S. Conference of Mayors, has a positive view of both the Supreme Court decision and the health care law, calling it "a victory" for Americans
Here's a sampling of political reaction from Republican and Democratic governors, members of Congress and candidates running for office in 2012:
“It appears that the Supreme Court agreed with the lawsuit brought by myself and 12 other Attorneys General finding Obamacare unconstitutional under the Commerce Clause of the Constitution, however they did uphold the law under Congress’ taxing authority.’’
“Despite the President’s repeated assertions that this was not a tax, the Supreme Court today ruled that it is in fact a tax. Not only is it a tax, but it may turn out to be one of the largest tax increases in the history of our nation. It is a tax on our citizens that they cannot afford. It is a tax that hits our small businesses the hardest and will kill job growth."
“While I am disappointed with this ruling, respect for the law and for the process of the law -- even when we disagree -- is part of our democracy. My administration will do all we can to ensure the negative impact of this law affects the lives of Pennsylvanians as little as possible.’’ -Gov. Tom Corbett (R-Pa.)
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“I’ve been clear from the very beginning that I do not believe a one-size-fits-all health care program works for the entire country and that each governor should have the ability to make decisions about what works best for their state. Today’s Supreme Court decision is disappointing and I still believe this is the wrong approach for the people of New Jersey who should be able to make their own judgments about health care. Most importantly, the Supreme Court is confirming what we knew all along about this law – it is a tax on middle class Americans.” -Gov. Chris Christie (R-NJ)
“The President deserves credit for being willing to tackle a status quo of rapidly rising costs and shrinking coverage. The decision allows our state and nation to move past the uncertainty months of deliberations have caused and move forward to address critical health care issues facing the state and nation.”
“The Supreme Court’s ruling enables Delaware to continue to implement provisions of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act to provide access to health care benefits for Delawareans. It means that pre-existing condition exclusions for children will continue to be banned, that people starting their careers can continue to access health care through their parent's coverage until age 26, and that work in Delaware can continue on providing access to quality affordable health care coverage to Delawareans. On the Medicaid front, Delaware already voluntarily expanded the state’s Medicaid coverage program in 1996 to cover many Delawareans not previously covered.” -Gov. Jack Markell (D-Del.)
“The nation’s mayors applaud and support the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to uphold as constitutionality of the ‘Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act’. This ruling is an historic victory for the American people and will allow the Administration to move forward with securing access to affordable health insurance for millions of uninsured people in this nation. Mayors know firsthand the hardship of American families who have no medical insurance, and the struggles they face as a result. Access to affordable and quality health care is not only necessary, but also the moral compass by which our nation will be judged. I’m elated that the highest court in the land has taken the courageous step to allow progress towards that goal to continue.” -Mayor Michael Nutter (D-Philadelphia, U.S. Conference of Mayors President)
“The fact that this law was upheld means that Pennsylvanians will not lose their coverage due to preexisting conditions, young adults will be allowed coverage under a parent’s plan and older Americans will not have to face dramatic increases in prescription drug costs. I will continue to work with other senators to make improvements to the legislation. Further, there is no doubt that we still confront significant challenges to reducing the cost of healthcare and the only way to address these in the long-run is for Democrats and Republicans to work together.” -Sen. Bob Casey (D-Pa.)
"Today's unfortunate decision strengthens our resolve to defeat Senator Casey and President Obama in order to repeal and replace a disastrous law that has ballooned the debt, increased the cost of insurance and eroded freedoms. Healthcare decisions should be made by doctors, patients and their families, not by government bureaucrats. In the Senate, I will fight to see ObamaCare repealed and replaced with commonsense free market reforms that reduce cost, increase access, and promote the quality and innovation that has made our healthcare system the envy of the world." -Tom Smith (R-Pa. Candidate for Senate)
“I believe it is critical for all Americans to have access to affordable healthcare, from the doctor they choose, at a price they can afford. With health care costs skyrocketing for families and small businesses, the health care law missed a critical opportunity to reduce the cost of care for all Americans.”
“At $1.8 trillion, the law will cost double the original estimate over the next 10 years. It’s a $570 billion tax hike on Americans who are already struggling in this difficult economy. I remain committed to working with Democrats and Republicans to enact real reforms to make health care more affordable for everyone without harming our economy.” -Rep. Pat Meehan (R-Pa. 7th District)
“Today the Supreme Court made a decision that will significantly impact the health and care of all Americans. As a nation, we recognize the importance of all citizens having access to basic healthcare, the assurance that children with pre-existing conditions will not be denied coverage and the promise that young adults can remain on their families’ health insurance policy as they becoming productive citizens in their communities and the workforce.”
“As a physician, I know first-hand the stories of families fighting with insurance companies to get needed care covered and too many episodes of trying to figure out how to best care for patients who come to the ER without any coverage at all. Hopefully this ruling will be a first step in efforts to curb those occurrences.” -Dr. Manan Trivedi (D-Pa. 6th District Congressional Candidate)
"Pennsylvanians and all Americans are the winners today. Thirty million uninsured Americans are now assured of healthcare coverage for the first time. The major investment in community health centers – a lifeline for so many -- goes forward. Young adults now are assured of continued coverage by their parents' health insurance, those with pre-existing conditions can breathe a sigh of relief, women are now guaranteed access to reproductive health services, and children with a various health challenges don't need to worry about coverage.
"The impact of President Obama's visionary healthcare reform has already begun to make a positive impact for American families and in every sector of our society. The Supreme Court has said it can no longer be questioned as the law of the land. Now we in the Congress can move ahead to finish the job of providing comprehensive and affordable healthcare for all." -Rep. Chaka Fattah (D-Pa. 2nd District)
“While I am disappointed in today’s decision, it will not shake my resolve to repeal the big government control that comes with Obamacare and replace it with common sense reforms that actually lower costs by making insurance companies compete for our business, improves access to care and empowers patients and doctors to make healthcare choices, not Washington bureaucrats. My constituents simply cannot afford the $500 billion in new tax increases and $500 billion in Medicare cuts required to pay for this flawed legislation, nor can our economy sustain the job-killing mandates and regulations it imposes.” -Rep. Jon Runyan (R-NJ 3rd District)
“The essence of the Affordable Care Act is to guarantee, through a variety of approaches, that every American can count on having access to excellent health care.
“We still have much work to do. Every major piece of American legislation ever passed, from Social Security to Medicare to the Civil Rights Act, has been refined and improved over the years. So, too, the Affordable Care Act will be refined and improved as we gain experience with it. Today’s decision ensures that we can continue making progress toward the goal of guaranteeing access to excellent health care for every American.” -Rep. Rush Holt (D-NJ 12th District)
"While today's verdict is deeply disappointing, as a litigator who has spent my career in court, I have dealt with disappointing verdicts. While we must always respect the rule of law, as Americans we have the inalienable right to disagree. This massive, overreaching government takeover upends our personal liberties and put simply, is a massive new tax. Obamacare will have devastating effects on Pennsylvania families, businesses and workers who already struggle to afford health care coverage.”
"The message here is clear: elections matter. This massive tax hike and attack on our liberties was orchestrated by a coalition of elected officials who substituted their judgment for that of their constituents. I urge all citizens who respect individual liberty to remember this when they go to the polls in November.” -David Freed (R-Candidate for Pa. Attorney General)
