LANSING, Mich., June 28, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- The following statements were issued today by the Michigan Chamber of Commerce in response to the U.S. Supreme Court's ruling on the federal Affordable Care Act, otherwise known as "Obamacare."

Statement from Jim Holcomb, Senior Vice President, Business Advocacy & General Counsel:
"This is a sad day for job providers and families who support health care policies based upon free market solutions and strenuously oppose the government interference in purchasing and benefit design decisions contained in Obamacare.   While we were confident that the Supreme Court would find this type of government overreach unacceptable, we remain hopeful that the new Congress will work to repeal and replace the law with measures to control costs and improve quality, reform the insurance market and create a streamlined, simplified marketplace to purchase insurance."

Statement from Wendy Block, Director of Health Policy & Human Resources:
"Obamacare is heavy on lip service and light on real reform, failing to reach many – if any – of these goals, failing small and large businesses and consumers alike. One way or another, the employer mandates, tax increases and burdensome regulations in Obamacare must go, as they will do nothing less than devastate the private insurance industry and jeopardize our nation's economy.  The solution to improving the quality and affordability of health care is through reforms that are sensitive to the dynamics of the marketplace, not through a complete overhaul of our health care system that is supported by massive tax increases, a government-run option and new mandates on employers."

The Michigan Chamber of Commerce is a statewide business organization representing approximately 6,800 employers, trade associations and local chambers of commerce. The Michigan Chamber represents businesses of every size and type in all 83 counties of the state. Michigan Chamber member businesses provide jobs to 1.5 million residents. One of every 2.6 employees in Michigan works for a Chamber member firm. The Michigan Chamber was established in 1959 to be an advocate for Michigan's job providers in the legislative, political and legal process. It is one of only six state chambers accredited by the U.S. Chamber and one of only four state chambers accredited with distinction.

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SOURCE Michigan Chamber of Commerce