WASHINGTON – U.S. Congresswoman Candice Miller (MI-10) today made the following comments regarding President Obama’s announcement that he will support an earlier date for states to apply to opt-out of the federal individual mandate provisions. Addressing the National Governors Association, President Obama said he would support allowing the states’ waiver program to begin in 2014 providing they could prove they would have the same health coverage standards for the same number of individuals. Miller said:

“Respectfully, Mr. President, states should not have to ask the federal government for permission to opt-out of a provision which has already been ruled unconstitutional by two federal courts. The individual mandate within Obamacare expands the federal government’s power by opening the door to forcing individuals to purchase anything the federal government desires. This is a clear overreach of the government and the Administration must act now to completely remove this mandate and not continue this game of politics as usual. Frankly speaking, an earlier opt-out date does not change the fact that the individual mandate is unconstitutional. What we need to do is repeal Obamacare and start over while listening to our governors and the American people on the best way forward.”

###