Wisconsin Lawmakers react to Obamacare

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Posted: Thu 6:49 PM, Jun 28, 2012

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Reporter: Courtney Everett Email

Updated: Thu 7:58 PM, Jun 28, 2012

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Wisconsin Lawmakers react to Obamacare

(WEAU) - Senator Kathleen Vinehout says the approved plan is a good idea for the people of the Chippewa Valley. Meanwhile Republican Party Chair Brian Westrate says he refers to the approved plan as an Obamacare health care tax.

"Today the Supreme Court upheld the largest tax increase in our nation's history," said Republican Party Chair Brian Westrate.

It’s been a Democrat and Republican battle from the very beginning.

"What this does is it gives families security. It helps curbs some of the biggest abuses of health insurance companies,” said Democratic Senator Kathleen Vinehout of the 31st District.

“If President Obama wants to run in November on instituting the largest tax increase in our nation's history, we welcome that challenge," said Westrate.

Governor Walker spoke in Madison about how he opposes Obamacare.

"While the court makes it legal, it doesn't make it right and our hope is between now and November 6th that there will be voters here and across America who see fit to put a candidate.. that will repeal that mandate," said Republican Governor Scott Walker.

Meanwhile Political Science Professor Geoff Pederson of UW-Eau Claire says the plan will play a big factor in Obama's campaign.

"The two biggest beneficiaries of this are going to be people under the age of 30 and people below the poverty level. There's no way around that," said Pederson.

"Many young people have said to me please Kathleen whatever you do, keep this in the law. I very much need to be on my parent’s coverage," said Vinehout.

"It allows me to go forward and not have to worry about how I'm going to have to pay for this, especially as a college student," said Jimy Haggerty UW-Eau Claire Senior.

But Westrate says republicans have a way to help those who need their parents insurance.

"Our plan would be to get you back to work, to get that young man help him have a job that provides health benefits to him, so he doesn't have to mooch off of his parents until his into his 30's," said Westrate.

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