Connecticut Officials React to Supreme Court Healthcare Mandate Ruling

With the news Thursday that the U.S. Supreme Court - mandating all Americans to acquire health insurance - politicians, public officials and candidates for office sent out statements to the media and tweeted their reactions.

Here are a few excerpts from what they said:

“The Supreme Court has taken a historic stand with the Affordable Care Act — this decision demonstrates that the nation will do the right thing in ensuring accessible, affordable health care for all Americans. With SCOTUS validating the law, Republicans in Congress should cease their efforts to repeal the reforms and instead join President Obama in focusing on job creation.” – a joint statement to the media from Gov. Dannel P. Malloy and Lt. Gov. Nancy Wyman.

“Today’s ruling is a landmark moment in the fight for stable, secure health coverage for all Americans.” – Rep. Joe Courtney, D-2, via Twitter.

“Whew! Supreme Court does the right thing. This is a good day for health care in America.” – Rep. Chris Murphy, D-5, also a Democratic U.S. Senate candidate, via Twitter.

“Today’s decision by the High Court is extremely disappointing. The American people were told that this legislation would lower costs. It hasn’t. They were told that it would not increase taxes. It does. The tax increases that finance this will devastate small businesses and middle class families.” – U.S. Senate candidate Linda McMahon, R, who explained her opinions in a full statement here.

"Obamacare is increasing health insurance premiums, reducing patient choice, threatening the quality of care, and impeding medical progress.  On top of that, six years of Obamacare 'benefits' are paid for with ten years of taxes." - U.S. Senate candidate Chris Shays, R, in a statement to the media.

“Today's ruling was a victory for families and insures every American will get the care they need even if they can't afford health insurance.” - Susan Bysiewicz, Democratic U.S. Senate candidate, via Twitter.

“The uncertainty created by the false questioning of the Act’s legality has been settled and states, insurance companies and businesses can move forward and keep carrying out the important health care and consumer protection provisions contained in the law.” – Rep. Rosa DeLauro, D-3, in a statement to the media. 

“SCOTUS stands with children w/pre-existing conditions, women, would-be entrepreneurs, seniors and progress for the American people.” – Rep. Jim Himes, D-4, via Twitter.

“Today’s Supreme Court ruling is a victory for the millions of Americans who need health care, for the individuals living with medical conditions who would otherwise be denied coverage, for parents who will be able to keep their children on their insurance plan until age 26 and for seniors struggling to afford their prescription medications. Tens of thousands of Connecticut residents have already benefitted from health care reform, and tens of thousands more will benefit as more provisions of the law take effect.” – Attorney General George Jepsen, a Democrat, via a statement to the media.

“ObamaCare must be repealed. Let's send a bold conservative with courage to DC this fall.” – Mark Greenberg, Republican candidate in the 5th District Congressional race, via Twitter.