Queens Reacts to Obamacare Ruling

The Supreme Court sent shockwaves through the national political scene on Thursday morning,

Queens' elected officials and residents had a mixed reaction to the news. 

Phil Gibaldi, a Forest Hills resident who grew up in Carrol Gardens, said he thought the ruling was "terrific." 

"I was really nervous about it," Gibaldi said, adding that he considers himself very liberal. "I think it bodes well for [Obama's] re-run for office." 

U.S. Rep. Bob Turner, R-Forest Hills, said he was disappointed by the ruling.

“Today’s decision is complicated and it will take time to fully understand. However, one thing is clear; this decision has made the law’s implementation more complicated and difficult for states, small business and families," Turner said. "This is not what we need in these trying economic times.”

Outgoing Congressman Gary Ackerman, D-Bayside, couldn't help but rub some salt in to the still-fresh conservative wounds.

"Republicans were expecting to high five each other today," Ackerman said. "But fortunately, the highest court in the land k.o’d that plan and quashed their ridiculous claims that providing quality, affordable healthcare to all Americans was unconstitutional. The court’s ruling is a huge win for the American people and a resounding victory for President Obama."

Ann, an Obama supporter from Kew Gardens, said she was "glad" the law stood up to judicial scrutiny.

"I think it's great. This court has turned so far to the right it's hard to tell what they're going to do," she said. "I still think the law didn't go far enough into single-payer." 

State Sen. Tony Avella, D-Bayside, said he was thrilled by how things shook down in the nation's capital.

"I am pleased that the Supreme Court upheld the Affordable Care Act," Avella said. "It is time to move beyond the right wing, Tea Party rhetoric against this law which masked the fact that health care in this country is in need of real reform. This legislation is certainly a significant step in the right direction and I applaud the Supreme Court for letting it stand.”

Additional reporting by Nathan Duke.