• 
• CLASS
• JOBS
• AUTO
• HOMES

Wisconsin officials react to health care ruling

MADISON — Wisconsin political leaders on both sides of the federal health care debate reacted sharply to the U.S. Supreme Court's decision to uphold the Affordable Care Act, which opponents dub "Obamacare."

Here is a snapshot of the reaction:

"Wisconsin will not take any action to implement Obamacare. I am hopeful that political changes in Washington D.C. later this year ultimately end the implementation of this law at the federal level." — Republican Gov. Scott Walker.

"While the decision upholds the Affordable Care Act, it is a tremendous victory for re-establishing Constitutional limits on the power of the federal government." — Republican Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen.

"I believe the Supreme Court made the right decision today. There is much more work to be done in controlling health care costs, but the Affordable Care Act brings us closer to providing health care to all Americans at a cost we can afford." — Democratic U.S. Sen. Herb Kohl.

"Freedom took a real body blow. It is now up to Congress — and hopefully a new President — to repeal this unpopular monstrosity and replace it with free market reforms that will actually improve the quality and restrain the cost of health care in America." — Republican U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson.

"I remain committed to advancing reforms that realign incentives so that individuals and their doctors — not government bureaucrats or insurance company bureaucrats — are the nucleus of our health care system." — Republican U.S. Rep. Paul Ryan, who represents the 1st Congressional Districts.

"(The Affordable Care Act is) not a perfect bill. But it's going to require all of us working together to figure out what works and what doesn't work, and make adjustments along the way. So we can continue to improve the quality of care that's given, increase the access of care to all Americans, while bringing the cost of care down for all Americans." — Democratic U.S. Rep. Ron Kind, who represents the 3rd Congressional District.

"I join the millions of Americans today who are disappointed with this decision. ... I am committed as I have always been, to repealing the full law and putting health care decisions into the hands of Americans and doctors — not Washington bureaucrats." — Republican U.S. Rep. James Sensenbrenner, who represents the 5th Congressional District.

"While my Republican colleagues will continue their crusade to dismantle this groundbreaking legislation, it is my sincere hope that we will continue to build upon this ruling so that we can continue to put in place measures that will decrease costs, ensure service and increase access to health care." — Democratic U.S. Rep. Gwen Moore, who represents the 4th Congressional District.

"This decision leaves in place a law riddled (with) loopholes for the politically connected as well as many other problems, which if not addressed, will cause even more undue stress on our economy and the American people." — Republican U.S. Rep. Reid Ribble, who represents the 8th Congressional District.

"While I still support stronger health care plans, like 'Medicare for All,' President Obama's health care reform was a bold move in the right direction toward providing affordable health care for all Americans." — Rob Zerban, Democratic candidate challenging Ryan.