Local Reaction to Healthcare Ruling

Here is some local reaction to Thursday's historic :

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Lynne Sawicki, owner of Sawicki's in Decatur:

"Is it really going to benefit the small business owner? I hope it doesn't put me out of business."

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Dan McBride of Decatur, in the Christian Science Monitor Reading Room:

"I think the ruling stinks. I don't think that's the American way."

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Mali Harrell, in the Decatur Market & Gallery:

"I am happy to see something different happen because the way it is is not working. This may not be the fix but it's a step in the right direction."

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Candy Casarella, in the Decatur Market & Gallery:

"My concern is not everybody will pay and then what will they do in the long run?"

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Dave Cochran, Decatur locksmith:

"Obamacare is the biggest boon to the insurance companies ever, almost as big a boon as Bush's drug program for the elderly was for the pharmaceutical companies.

"I'm not a constitutional scholar but I think it's unconstitutional to require us to purchase a product from a private company."

He said the health care system definitely needs overhauling because "people shouldn't be dying because they can't afford health care."

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Kara N. Brown, nurse practitioner in Decatur:

"I like it it because it will help Americans get better access to health care."

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State Rep. Karla Drenner of Avondale Estates:

"I adopted my son 15 years ago, he had a pre-existing health condition and it was virtually impossible to get health coverage for him and when I did the premiums were very very expensive.

"As mom, I believe that healthcare is a fundmental right for our children and further for society at large.

"I am pleased that the Supreme Court ruled as they did and whereas there are many details yet to work out. I believe that we are on the right path as a nation."

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DeKalb Medical, from spokeswoman Tori Vogt:

"We have always taken the position that regardless of what comes out of
Washington,  doctors and hospitals working together must figure out ways to
make care more efficient while preserving and indeed enhancing quality.
That's what we're doing and that's what we'll continue to do."

DeKalb County CEO Burrell Ellis:

“Today is a great day for millions of Americans and nearly two million Georgians who currently live without health insurance.  With the U.S. Supreme Court upholding the law, the federal government and its local partners can now move forward with fully implementing this landmark legislation.  Our focus must now turn towards providing all citizens access to quality and affordable healthcare coverage.

"I commend President Barack Obama for his vision and willingness to fight on behalf of the American people.”

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House Minority Leader Stacey Abrams:

"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. 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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 U.S. Rep. Hank Johnson (4th District of Georgia):

“After more than a century of debate, the American people won an historic victory with passage of the Affordable Care Act.

 “After decades of choosing between buying medications and putting food on the table, after decades of living in fear of bankruptcy caused by an unexpected illness, Americans are entering a new era of reliable access to quality, affordable health care.  President Obama and Congress took the lead and did what no other Congress and Administration has been able to do – put health insurance in reach for the more than 50 million uninsured Americans and make it more affordable for everyone.

“Today, the Supreme Court affirmed the constitutionality of the law, and upheld these important protections. It is time to move on and focus on strengthening the economy, creating jobs and paying down our debt. This is a great day for looking forward and pulling together for the American people.”

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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.”

Timothy Darnell contributed to this article.