29 Jun State GOP vow to help repeal health care law

Clarion Ledger

WASHINGTON — Mississippi’s Republican lawmakers vowed Thursday to join GOP leaders in an effort to repeal the nation’s health care law – despite a Supreme Court ruling to keep it in place.

“Only a full repeal of this overreaching law will allow Americans to receive the care that they need, from the doctors that they choose, at a cost that they can afford,” said 3rd District Rep. Gregg Harper.

Twenty-six states, including Mississippi, challenged the law’s constitutionality.

“The court’s decision points out that Obamacare is a major tax increase,” said Republican Sen. Roger Wicker. “The law also drives up health care costs for patients and taxpayers. It is an unworkable plan that we cannot afford.”

Fourth District Rep. Steve Palazzo said the law puts a huge burden on businesses and reduces choices for patients. “The Supreme Court may have ruled to uphold the law for now, but that does not change the fact that it is bad for small business, bad for families and bad for seniors.”

Linda Dixon Rigsby, health law director at the Mississippi Center for Justice, called the ruling “good news for Mississippi’s children and families.”

She pointed to the requirement that insurance companies can’t deny coverage to children with a pre-existing condition. “We just need to continue to do everything possible to help Mississippi move forward by connecting more children and families with health coverage.”

Republican Sen. Thad Cochran said he still supports a repeal. “Despite the Supreme Court’s legal ruling …, that doesn’t mean the policies set forth in the law are best for the American people or our economy.”

However, 2nd District Rep. Bennie Thompson, the delegation’s lone Democrat, applauded the ruling. “With today’s decision, we can finally move forward with fully implementing the long overdue and pivotal changes necessary for strengthening our nation’s health care system.”

First District Rep. Alan Nunnelee called the law a “massive tax hike” and said it should be replaced. “The Supreme Court has had its say in June. The people will have their say in November.”