Local Policy Makers and Residents Sound Off On The Supreme Court Decision
Mahaska County Courthouse
Oskaloosa, Iowa – The Supreme Court decision on Thursday had almost everyone talking about health care, and their opinion on the law. People were talking and social media sites were buzzing with opinions and thoughts on the decision.
The implications for local governments such as the county or city will be minor at best, but we put the two candidates for Mahaska County Supervisor on the hot-seat. We asked them their thoughts on the subject, and also offered up an opportunity for residents to speak their minds as well.
Donna Arendt commented on the Oskaloosa News Facebook page saying, “I think very few of us know exactly what all is in this bill. It’s not all about healthcare. I doubt that anyone truly has an understanding of the impact it will have on them – including myself. That is the scary part. I feel it is strictly a partisan issue. If you are on the left, you wanted the bill to stand, and if you are on the right, you didn’t.”
Democrat State Senator Tom Rielly had worked during his career at the State House for health exchanges, something that is mandated in the new federal legislation. Rielly, who is now running for Mahaska County Supervisor, spoke with us by phone about the courts decision. I posed the question, attempting to find out what, if any, impact the new law will have on the county itself. “I don’t really anticipate it having a huge impact on the county. I think me as a self-employed person, it could be a benefit.”
Reilly said that currently one of the only places to get health insurance for self-employed people, such as himself, is through Wellmark. “I’d be subject to pre-exiting condition,” Rielly said. “I’d like it to create a marketplace that injects more competition than just Wellmark. It gives me more choice.”
Rielly said he’s looking at the positives of the law. “It does offer some things people do like, like the fact that you can stay on your parents plan until your 26,” also pointing out the shrinking donut holes for seniors, and lifetime maximums being lifted.
Rielly’s challenger for the Supervisor seat is Republican Mike Vander Molen. Vander Molen responded by saying, “As a matter of principle, I’m always pleased when the Supreme Court exercises judicial constraint. However, the Supreme Court ruling does little to change the fact that the underlying law is bad for our health care system and bad for America in general.”
“Only a health care system which fosters competition can drive down cost. Instead, we are engaging in a system which will lead to artificial price controls forcing thousands of doctors out of business. This is particularly worrisome in a community like Mahaska County which must compete against larger communities like Des Moines for quality doctors. Unfortunately, Obama-Care will affect Mahaska County where we hurt the most – in accessibility to affordable healthcare.”
The question to be answered is: Will there be a backlash against the Democrats in the upcoming general election? If area resident Josh Bethune is any indication, things could get interesting come November. “Can’t wait until voting time. I’m going against my democrat beliefs and voting republican.”
Current Mahaska County Supervisor and Iowa Senate Candidate for District 40, Republican Ken Rozenboom released a statement about the courts decision. “We Americans are not as free as we were just a few hours ago. The over-reach of the federal government is breathtaking. If Obama-care is allowed to stand we will witness the largest tax increase in the history of the world. If Obama-care is allowed to stand, the intrusion of government into our private lives will reach levels we have never known.”
Rozenboom is not alone, many visitors on the Oskaloosa News Facebook page commented in a similar fashion. “Marquee Meyer commented saying, “Our so called FREEDOM is going out the door….”
Meyer was joined by others such as Dorothy A. Vos, “A really sad day for America. There is no end to what the gov’t will require its citizens to do. Freedom is no longer a word we can use in the USA.”
At the closing of Rozenboom’s statement, he shared the following, “What remains now is simply to insist – to demand – that our Representatives pay attention. In just over 4 months, we go to the polls. If everyone who thinks that Obama-care should be repealed shows up and votes for a candidate pledged to repealing it, then the sovereignty of the people will be restored.”
“Ronald Reagan once said, ‘We have a date with Destiny, you and I.’ Well, we have another one. In fact, we have one every couple of years, in November. This one is more important than most. Let’s not stand the old girl up.”
No one can debate that emotions over the law and the courts decisions are evident for both sides currently, but will this issue be a deciding factor in the November elections, or will the economy continue to be the main talking point once again next week.
Tim Tripp, Democrat contender for Iowa Senate 40 running against Rozenboom stated, “The U.S. Supreme Court’s decision on the Affordable Care Act, while important, is not an end.We will continue to have conversations about healthcare nationally and locally.We will move forward together over the next few years. And regardless of varying individual views about the Supreme Court’s decision, the separation of powers has been exercised and the democratic process has prevailed. This is worth celebrating.”
“As someone who regularly serves the most vulnerable Iowans, the biggest winners, for now, are those families and individuals who will get to see a doctor when they are sick. While the Affordable Care Act is a federal law, the Iowa State Senate will have the opportunity to respond to this law in a real-world, cost-effective and just way. As Iowans, I believe we can put aside inflaming and hurtful rhetoric, and together seek fair and just solutions. I look forward to being part of that process.”
Add your opinion to the story by letting us know if you agree with the Supreme Court decision or not.
[poll id=”168″]
