Stephen Labate's Statement On The Supreme Court's Healthcare Decision

This morning, the United States Supreme Court ruled that the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare), including the individual mandate, which requires all Americans to buy health insurance, is constitutional. This decision marks the destruction of individual liberty, as for the first time, citizens can be forced by the government to buy a product or service.

In September 2009, President Obama told George Stephanopoulos, “For us to say you have to take responsibility to get health insurance is absolutely not a tax increase.” My opponent, Congressman Israel states on his website, "Your federal income taxes will not go up to pay for this no matter how much you earn." Today, the Supreme Court ruled otherwise, finding that the mandate violates the Commerce Clause, but is constitutional under the taxing power. 

Make no mistake; this decision has broader implications that will fundamentally transform our country in ways never envisioned by our Founding Fathers. Obamacare is the largest middle class tax increase in American history. It does nothing to combat the rising costs of healthcare, cuts nearly $600 billion dollars from Medicare, hurts jobs, and will for the first time ever, allow the government to interfere in the doctor/patient relationship.

The Supreme Court did not repeal Obamacare, but a Republican House and Senate in 2012 can. The American people will decide on Election Day if Obamacare stays. I pledge to the constituents of the 3rd Congressional District that as your Congressman I will vote for the immediate repeal of Obamacare. There is more at stake than just the future of healthcare. Our democratic form of government is at risk of being transformed into an authoritarian state and I’m ready to fight against that transformation.

If you support the repeal of Obamacare, and the massive tax it levies on the American people, than stand with me, and join my team. Donate your time as a “Labate for Congress” volunteer. Donate money if you are able, and most importantly, on November 6th, cast your vote. Together we can put an end to the massive overreach of the federal government into our personal lives, and build a future for our children that they will be proud of.