Government Digest: Aug. 19

Scott, Bondi applaud ObamaCare ruling
TALLAHASSEE — Following the 2-1 ruling of the 11th District Court of Appeals rejecting the individual mandates of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, but disagreeing with the federal district court's opinion invalidating the entire law, Gov. Rick Scott says he would like to see the issue go before the U.S. Supreme Court — and fast.

“If implemented, Obama-Care will result in the rationing of health care, significant tax increases, significant job losses and the inability of many Americans to keep their existing health insurance,” Scott says in a statement. “It is critical that this case be expedited to the United States Supreme Court so that we can put this job-killing federal government mandate behind us and begin making the meaningful improvements our health care system needs without infringing on the liberties of Americans.”

Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi agreed, saying the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals' decision upholds the state's position that the federal law exceeds Congress' power.