Missouri reactions to health care ruling

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) -- Notable Missouri reactions Thursday to the Supreme Court's ruling upholding the federal health care overhaul.

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"We're just now beginning to review this ruling so that we can understand exactly what it means for Missouri. This ruling has significant complexities and implications for families, health care providers and insurers in our state. Here in Missouri, I'm committed to working collaboratively with citizens, businesses, medical providers and the legislature to move forward in a way that works best for families in our state." -- Missouri Democratic Gov. Jay Nixon.

"It's not right. It's against the Constitution. The government has no right to force anybody to acquire something they can't afford." -- Enrico Alvarez, 59, a 22-year Army veteran in Columbia.

"This decision does not change the fact that ObamaCare will lead to higher health care premiums, increased federal spending, and greater uncertainty for small business owners nationwide. That's why Congress must repeal this deeply flawed law in its entirety and replace it with thoughtful, common-sense reforms that put patients and doctors in control of health care - not Washington bureaucrats." -- U.S. Sen. Roy Blunt, R-Mo.

"This is a crushing blow to freedom and an absolute insult to the dignity of all Americans. I am deeply disappointed in the Supreme Court for giving the government the authority to force citizens to buy a product. I believe this encroachment of government is unconstitutional and offensive. It puts the life and death health decisions of our families and loved ones in the hands of Washington Bureaucrats. We don't want the compassion of the IRS or the efficiency of the DMV in our healthcare system." -- U.S. Rep. Todd Akin, R-Mo.

"The medical care industry is super flawed. They just put a Band-Aid over the problem. It's all diet related, and the medical industry glosses over it." -- Jason Nirmaier, 36, a self-employed landscaper in Columbia.

"This ruling solidified what we already knew: all Americans deserve quality, affordable health care. They deserve the peace of mind that a bump in the road won't send them into a financial free fall. They deserve the right to take care of their families." -- U.S. Rep. Russ Carnahan, D-Mo.

"Today's Supreme Court decision is very disappointing and underscores the critical nature of this election. ObamaCare is fundamentally flawed and the absolute wrong approach to health care reform. As Missouri's next citizen-senator, I will fight to repeal ObamaCare and replace it with sensible, market-driven solutions that will truly control costs and improve our healthcare system." -- Republican U.S. Senate candidate John Brunner.

"I am disappointed and angry that the United States Supreme Court passed down a ruling which will alter the fabric of our nation by creating a fundamentally socialist healthcare system." -- Republican U.S. Senate candidate Sarah Steelman.

"There's only ever been one goal for Claire -- affordable, accessible health care for Missouri." -- John LaBombard, spokesman for Missouri U.S. Senator Claire McCaskill, D-Mo.

"This decision means that college students and other young adults across the state have the option of remaining on their parent's health insurance while they transition into their first job. It also means transparent, more affordable health care options for all Missourians through a statewide health Insurance exchange." -- State Rep. Mary Still, D-Columbia.

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