Michigan Judge Upholds Reform Legislation’s Healthcare Mandate
U.S. District Court Judge George Steeh in Detroit, Michigan on Thursday upheld the constitutionality of a key provision of the recently enacted federal health-care law that requires individuals to maintain health-insurance coverage or pay a penalty.
The ruling is the first on the constitutionality of the law, which was signed into law by President Barack Obama in March.
Judge Steeh rejected arguments by a conservative legal group and four individuals that Congress lacked the constitutional authority to require people to purchase health insurance.
In a 20-page opinion, Judge Steeh also ruled that the penalty provision wasn't an unconstitutional tax.
The health-care law is facing several other legal challenges, including a lawsuit by a coalition of several state attorneys general.
Published on October 8, 2010
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