Politics & Government

Rush 'Pleased,' Peloquin 'Can't Support' Supreme Court Health Care Ruling

The Illinois 1st Congressional District Democrat and Republican candidates weighed in Thursday after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that a major aspect of the Affordable Health Care Act is constitutional.

The U.S. Supreme Court ruled in a 5-4 vote Thursday that the individual mandate—for all people to be insured—of the Affordable Health Care Act is constitutional as a tax.

But for the Republican candidate aiming to take over Rep. Bobby Rush’s seat as the 1st District congressman in Illinois, difficulties lie ahead.

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“It’s a lot more complicated than it should be to insure all Americans,” said Don Peloquin, mayor of Blue Island and the Republican candidate for the 1st District. “I still can’t support it even though the Supreme Court ruled that the individual mandate is constitutional. It doesn’t help small businesses. It doesn’t help create jobs. And it probably will get more complex as it’s implemented.”

Staff in Bobby Rush’s Washington D.C. office said the Democrat congressman is “pleased to hear the Supreme Court’s affirmation, and looks forward to its full implementation.”

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Peloquin foresees many challenges in taking the health care act from a written plan to a reality.

“How many businesses now will eliminate their benefit plans?” Peloquin said. “The fact that it can be a tax, what exactly will that be? How will hospitals see more revenue? What will the penalties be if you aren’t insured?”

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Furthermore, if implementing the act involves more state regulation, Peloquin sees even more problems.

“I’m not confident that Springfield can create a good system,” Peloquin said. “If as a state we can’t even get pensions straightened out, and now add a burden of health care, we could be headed for trouble.”

WANT TO KNOW MORE ABOUT THE DECISION AND THE ACT? You can read aspects of Chief Justice John Roberts opinion, as well as thoughts from the other eight Supreme Court justices. Plus, check out the full Affordable Health Care Act.

 

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