Villaraigosa Releases Statement Regarding Supreme Court Ruling on Health Care

The following is a statement released by the office of Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa regarding the U.S. Supreme Court's decision to uphold the basic provision of the Affordable Care Act:

“[Thursday's] ruling by the Supreme Court to uphold the basic provisions of the Affordable Care Act is a historic step forward for our country. Healthcare for each and every individual is not a privilege; it’s a right. [Thurday] morning’s decision is a victory for all Americans, and I could not be prouder.

By upholding the Affordable Care Act the Supreme Court ensured 3.1 million young people – including 435,000 young Californians – will maintain their coverage. The Court’s ruling protects Americans with preexisting conditions and provides them with access to the safe and secure healthcare options that were once out of reach. By ruling that those people who can afford to buy insurance have an obligation to do so, the Court has reaffirmed the bedrock principle of personal responsibility. And most importantly, the Court’s ruling moves our nation one step closer to the ultimate goal of providing healthcare for all. More than 30 million Americans will gain affordable health care with the enactment of this bill. This is a momentous achievement that should be rightly celebrated.

Despite [Thursday's] victory, our work is not done. America still spends more than any other nation for health insurance. The Affordable Care Act provides important protections to curb the skyrocketing cost of healthcare and lessen the impacton the nation’s budget. In fact, according to official estimates, the law will lower the federal deficit by $143 billion by 2019. It is now incumbent on our nation’s leaders to ensure the successful implementation of this bill. We must halt the opponents of progress who seek to “repeal and replace” this important step towards universal coverage.

I applaud the Supreme Court’s leadership and decision to put the American peopleahead of partisan politics. Their ruling to uphold the Affordable Care Act reaffirms our country’s commitment to the health and financial security of our people.”