Ferguson and Constantine applaud Sixth Circuit decision validating federal health care reform

June 29, 2011

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Metropolitan King County Councilmember Bob Ferguson and King County Executive Dow Constantine released the following statements today in response to the United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit issuing its ruling upholding the federal Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act as constitutional:

“The King County Council has supported reform of our health care system and recognized that the federal law is in the interest of our citizens,” said Ferguson, Chair the Council’s Law, Justice, Health and Human Services Committee. “It will help seniors afford prescription drugs and provide access to basic health care for the more than 150,000 King County residents who are currently uninsured.”

“This decision helps mere people be insured, and that benefits everyone in our region,” said Executive Constantine. “The more people who have access to the care they need and can avoid catastrophic financial impacts from illness or injury, the more can focus on living their lives, earning a living, and providing for their families.”

“Today’s decision that the law is constitutional is not a surprise, but it is validation for those of us who have supported federal health care reform,” said Ferguson.

The King County Council passed a motion last year recognizing the benefits of the landmark federal legislation and supporting its implementation.

Last year, Ferguson wrote a letter to the State Attorney General questioning the merit and fiscal wisdom of joining a federal lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of the federal Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. Executive Constantine and over 100 other attorneys joined the letter asking the Attorney General to reconsider the decision.