Local Politicians React To Obamacare Ruling

Here is some local reaction to Thursday's historic :

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State Rep. Scott Holcomb, D-81, whose state House district includes portions of Tucker:

"I think this case will be the defining moment for the Chief Justice and my sense is that he voted for the good of the Court, and the country, even though the decision was probably at odds with his personal views. I commend him for his courage. He did what we ask the Court to do - apply the law and respect the Constitution."

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U.S. Sen. Johnny Isakson:

“I am sorely disappointed that the Court has upheld the individual mandate as a legal tax on the American people. Today’s ruling does not change the fact that there have been enormous problems trying to implement this terribly flawed law and that it must be repealed and replaced with a step-by-step approach that makes health care more accessible, affordable and competitive.”

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U.S. Sen. Saxby Chambliss: 

“I am disappointed in today’s decision. While I believe the individual mandate to directly contradict the Constitution, we must respect the decision of the court. However, this is not the final chapter in the healthcare-reform debate. I will continue to push to repeal the law, and urge Congress and the next administration to work to replace Obamacare. 

“This law adds new taxes on an already overtaxed population, and adds regulation to an already over-regulated industry. We must address the skyrocketing costs of health care and its impact on individuals, families and small businesses while working together on transparent and measured reforms to ensure that everyone has access to quality and affordable care.”

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House Minority Leader Stacey Abrams says that she is gratified by the Court’s landmark ruling and its willingness to place principle over politics.

“The Supreme Court today issued an extraordinary ruling that will help millions of American families achieve better access to medical care and no longer have to choose between economic security and their health,” said Leader Abrams. “We are very pleased by the Court’s decision to uphold President Obama’s signature achievement and its protections for Georgia families. Two million Georgians will have new access to insurance, and more will gain preventative care, lower costs and quality service.”

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Representative Pat Gardner has been an advocate for the Affordable Care Act since it was first signed in 2010.

“No one could be more delighted by the Supreme Court’s ruling today than I am,” said Rep. Gardner. “As a mother whose baby daughter was denied coverage by insurers 35 years ago because of a pre-existing condition, I am so pleased that no family will have to face that kind of anxiety in the future. Today we have taken a momentous step forward towards creating a coordinated system of care. People will no longer be denied coverage or find that their coverage has been dropped because they are sick. I am delighted that individuals in both Georgia and the United States will have more options for coverage.”

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State Rep. Rashad Taylor, D-55, who is running against Gardner in the newly drawn 57th district after new boundaries were approved late last year. He tweeted twice Thursday morning:

“Individual mandate UPHELD! Big win for America's future today.” Later Taylor tweeted, “Sometimes you've got to do the right thing because it's the right thing to do.”

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U.S. Rep. John Lewis, D-Ga, whose 5th congressional district includes Midtown. He tweeted twice Thursday:

“Today’s ruling is a victory for every man, woman, and child in our country. Now we must fight to protect this victory from repeal.” He later tweeted, “The Supreme Court decision makes it clear that people have been misled about the benefits of this bill and its value.”