All around the country, the Supreme Court's decision upholding the Affordable Care Act has its supporters and detractors, and New York state is no different.
Some central New Yorkers celebrated the court's ruling with cake and balloons in the shadow of the federal building in Syracuse. Supporters of the legislation, and members of Health Care for All New York, say the decision is good news. Spokeswoman Lanika Mabrey says access to health care is a right.
"It's not a luxury. It should not only be accessible to those who can pay out of pocket and to those who rely on subsidies. Everyone should be able to take advantage and have a health care plan because it's a need," said Mabrey.
On the other side of the issue are some members of the business community. The National Federation of Independent Business was a plaintiff in the Supreme Court case and calls it a "deep disappointment." New York State Director Mike Durant says it'll be especially difficult in a state like New York for businesses to comply with the new regulations.
"In states such as New York which has such a high cost of doing business, and is highly regulated, to put another mandate in place that is going to drive up more costs, completely lacks the true understanding of what it takes to own and operate a business," said Durant.
Durant says the Affordable Care Act will increase costs, and he says many of his group's members say they won't be able to sustain employment numbers in light of this.
