JOINT Statement From Governor Martin O’Malley AND LT. GOVERNOR ANTHONY G. BROWN On U.S. SUPREME COURT RULING ON AFFORDABLE CARE ACT

ANNAPOLIS, MD (June 28, 2012) – Governor Martin O’Malley and Lt. Governor Anthony G. Brown today released the following statement on the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling on the Affordable Care Act:

“President Obama and Congress chose to pass the Affordable Care Act because the status quo was hurting our ability to create jobs, expand opportunity, and protect the health of our children and parents.

“In upholding the Affordable Care Act, the U.S. Supreme Court chose to protect the lives of millions of Marylanders and millions of Americans. American businesses will be more competitive in the global economy with lower health care costs and a healthier workforce. Parents will be able to keep their children on their health care plans until age 26. Seniors will avoid the Medicare Donut Hole. And by 2014, no American will be denied health care coverage because of a pre-existing condition.

“Today’s decision gives considerable momentum to our health care reform efforts here in Maryland. What it does not – and indeed must not – do, is give us license to take our eye off the ball or slow our progress. Moms, dads, and kids throughout Maryland are counting on their elected leaders to continue the mission of lowering costs, and improving the quality of care.

“We remain as committed as ever to moving forward on behalf of our families. We must move forward, not back.”