Florida reacts to today’s health care ruling

Florida Attorney General Pam won a partial victory in the state’s case challenging the federal health care reform law. Here’s a roundup of reactions to the Eleventh Circuit’s decision.

Bondi:

Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi today declared victory in the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals’ ruling that forcing Americans to purchase health insurance is unconstitutional.

“Today we have prevailed in preventing Congress from infringing on the individual liberty protected by the U.S. Constitution. The ruling by the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals upholds our position that the federal health care law exceeds Congress’ power,” stated Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi.

Florida Community Health Action Information Network executive director Laura Goodhue:

While the court’s decision is disappointing, other courts have  ruled differently on the issue of the constitutionality of the so-called “individual mandate.” That question will ultimately be decided by the U.S. Supreme Court.

While the court upheld Judge Roger Vinson’s lower-court opinion on the “individual mandate”, the court’s ruling is significantly different from Vinson’s in a very important way. This court  -unlike Judge Vinson, but like all others that have heard the case – rightfully found that this open question does not remotely invalidate the rest of the Affordable Care Act (ACA).

The ACA has been and will continue to be the law of the land, and in particular, remains in full force and effect in the 11th Circuit, including the entire state of Florida. The Governor and Legislature must uphold and follow the law as they have sworn to do. It is not left to the State’s discretion.

Implementation of the ACA is critical to the health and well-being of Floridians. The elements of the ACA that have been implemented so far over partisan objections have benefitted millions of Floridians already, and the ACA will continue to benefit more people in more significant ways while reducing the deficit.

Gov. Rick Scott:

The ruling today by the Appeals Court for the 11th Circuit against ObamaCare’s individual mandates is a huge victory for Americans. If implemented, ObamaCare will result in the rationing of healthcare, significant tax increases, significant job losses and the inability of many Americans to keep their existing health insurance. It is critical that this case be expedited to the United States Supreme Court so that we can put this job-killing federal government mandate behind us and begin making the meaningful improvements our healthcare system needs without infringing on the liberties of Americans.