Health Care Reform Law is unconstitutional

We can all agree that health care reform is necessary.

As Pennsylvania\’s attorney general, I have made health care a priority. In 2009 alone, the attorney general\’s Health Care Section assisted more than 4,700 consumers and saved Pennsylvanians more than $4.2 million.

In addition to providing such direct services to consumers, I believe we must work together in a bipartisan fashion to develop legislative solutions instead of engaging in mere rhetoric.

I believe we need meaningful health care reform in this country and that Pennsylvanians deserve access to quality health care.

However, it is my belief that the Health Care Reform law as written is unconstitutional, and Congress has exceeded its authority by requiring citizens to purchase government-approved health insurance. Those who fail to comply with the mandate will be punished with an annual tax penalty.

This analysis is shared by my colleagues who have joined me in filing a lawsuit challenging the act\’s constitutionality. Thus far, five additional