Illinois Politicians React to Health Care Ruling

“This is, in my view, a historic day," said Mayor Rahm Emanuel

Following the Supreme Court’s historic decision to uphold the Affordable Care Act, state and local leaders weigh in.

"This decision means that millions of working families across Illinois will continue to receive better healthcare. These historic reforms that are strengthening our healthcare system will continue to benefit young people, those with pre-existing conditions and care providers. We took a big step forward today as a nation and state, and I will continue to work with President Obama to help working families get the healthcare coverage they need." - Gov. Pat Quinn

“This is, in my view, a historic day. ... Thank God for the rest of the country [President Barack Obama] didn't listen to me." -Mayor Rahm Emanuel 

"The Supreme Court’s decision does not change my opposition to the law or my dedication to changing the law. As I said at the time of my vote, there can be no doubt that our health care system is in serious need of reform. ...  Amid the partisan reactions to this news, we should remember the real problems with our health care system and the need to address them in a sensible and fiscally sustainable manner." Rep. Dan Lipinski (D - Oak Lawn)

"Today is a historic day when the Supreme Court declared that the Affordable Care Act and the health security it brings is the law of the land. With President Obama’s leadership, Congress enacted the most significant law in half a century." - Rep. Jan Schakowsky (D-Evanston)

“While this ruling speaks to the constitutionality of the ACA [Affordable Care Act], the real question is whether the 2010 law makes for good public policy.” -Rep. Robert Dold (R-Winnetka)
 
“I applaud the Supreme Court’s decision to uphold health care reform and protect millions of our most vulnerable Americans. Now it’s time to put labels and political rhetoric aside and remember what this is about.” -Rep. Mike Quigley (D-Chicago)

“After two controversial, activist decisions in Bush v. Gore and Citizens United, the Chief Justice, in both the Arizona immigration law and the Affordable Care Act cases, appears to be working to reestablish the political neutrality of this court. That is a positive development.” -Sen. Dick Durbin

“Unfortunately, the court’s ruling will have tragic consequences that will spread well beyond the issue of mandatory insurance and health care services. It will drive up health care costs and put yet another financial burden on our already struggling small businesses. We in Illinois will be exploring avenues available for implementing this sweeping law and still providing the greatest options and lowest cost for our families and businesses.” - Sen. Bill Brady
 
"Since its passage, the Affordable Care Act has caused deep divisions over its constitutionality. While I respect the ruling of the U.S. Supreme Court, I am extremely disappointed that the Court has given unrestricted authority to the federal government to interfere in the personal lives of American families." - Rep. Adam Kinzinger (R-Channahon)

"I am pleased to see that the Supreme Court has validated the important benefits of this law and look forward to its full implementation." - Rep. Bobby Rush (D-Chicago)

"When I retire, I will be buying insurance from a health care exchange just like everyone else and I am proud to live in a country that allows working class families, blue collar workers and former Congressmen to share health care risks and health rewards and equal opportunity for life saving coverage." Rep. Luis Gutierrez (D-Chicago)

"As someone who survived a serious health crisis I understand how important it is to have affordable and quality healthcare.  The ruling today is a victory for children with preexisting conditions who can't be denied coverage, women who can't be charged a higher premium, seniors who won't suddenly find themselves without coverage, and young adults who will be covered under their parents until they are 26.  However, I'm still concerned that ACA places an unfair burden on employers, especially our small businesses.  We will need to evaluate these provisions as we move forward.  I look forward to getting to Washington, rolling up my sleeves and getting to work."-Tammy Duckworth (D-Hoffman Estates)

"An independent Supreme Court majority appointed by Presidents of both parties have come together to uphold a law that says children with pre-existing conditions cannot be denied health insurance, insurance companies cannot drop your coverage if you get sick, and seniors can pay less for their medicine."-U.S. Rep. Bill Foster (D-Naperville)

“The President’s health care law is wreaking havoc on our economy by surging health insurance costs for Americans, hiking taxes, and hurting the efforts of small employers to put Americans back to work. In fact, I have already heard from small business owners in northern Illinois who will either lay off workers or forgo new hires in order to stay below the 50-employee threshold that would require them to purchase costly insurance for their employees." - U.S. Rep. Don Manzullo (R-Egan)

“We have thousands of residents around the state that are eligible for Medicaid but have never enrolled for one reason or another. We expect they will increasingly come forward, and I urge lawmakers to start saving now for those added costs.” Comptroller Judy Baar Topinka

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