Local Elected Officials React to Obamacare Supreme Court Decision

U.S. Congressman Duncan Hunter (Rep.—Alpine) on Thursday responded to the to uphold the president’s health care law by saying it needs repealing.

“This ruling on the law’s constitutional validity doesn’t change the fact that it’s a bad law. Health care costs are still rising and now, assuming the law is not ultimately repealed by Congress, there will be new taxes and higher costs imposed on families and businesses," Hunter stated in a news release.

On its last day in its 2011-2012 session, the court held that the individual mandate could be upheld as a tax under a narrow interpretation of the Constitution.

Hunter believes that's a stretch.

"Whether viewed as a tax or a penalty, the individual mandate is an overreach of government authority and it will continue to underscore one of the many reasons why this law needs to be repealed.

"This law, with its expansive programs and cost burden, is not the right solution to the country’s health care challenges," Hunter said.

Other local leaders have their own opinions:

La Mesa Mayor Art Madrid:

"Like 99.9 percent of members of congress, I have not read the 2,500-plus pages of this legislation. However,  I do believe that providing insurance of some sort to the more than 50 million uninsured Americans is the first step in address a nearly century old problem that's been mired by political, social and economic forces that have prevented some type of 'universal health care' as addressed by the  Affordable Care Act," Madrid wrote in an email to Patch.

He continued: "Chief Justice Roberts is to be commended for taking politics off the table regarding his vote. Just remember, those less informed about this, or any other issue, are the most vocal. A question for the critics: how many of their family members or friends with catastrophic illness will now be able to have some coverage? Then, for them, it's the first appropriate step."

Rep. Susan Davis of the 53rd District:

“The Supreme Court came down in favor of San Diegans and the American people. Those paying for their health insurance should not continue to have to pay for those who don’t. While the individual mandate is about all Americans being responsible for their own health care, the entire Affordable Care Act (ACA) is about providing health care access to everyone."

Davis said that there are many Americans  already benefitting from the new health care law.

• Adults and children with pre-existing conditions are able to buy health insurance
• Seniors are saving on prescription drugs
• Young adults are able to stay on their parents’ health care plans
• Americans are receiving preventive care for free
• Small businesses are getting tax breaks to help cover their employees

“I’m sure they are relieved that these benefits will not be taken away from them," she said. “The ACA has hospitals and providers looking at ways to deliver better and more affordable health care services.  When fully implemented, the ACA will help Americans who can’t afford insurance with credits to cover premium costs.

“This is a historic day and we are moving in the right direction.  Now is the time for us to keep moving forward and make sure this law works for all,” said Davis.

Ramona Patch editor Julie Pendray and Belmont Shores Patch editor Nancy Wride contributed to this story.