Barbieri: SCOTUS decision 'unbelievable'

BOISE, Idaho (AP) — Since a Democratic-controlled Congress revamped America's health insurance system in 2010, the notion of government-mandated coverage has vexed most Idaho Republicans.

Thursday's decision by the U.S. Supreme Court to uphold the individual mandate brought cries of protest from conservatives who have railed against the sweeping federal law.

Rep. Vito Barbieri in 2011 led efforts to nullify the health care overhaul, with a bill that passed the Idaho House but failed in the Senate on constitutional concerns.

With the justices' conclusion that the mandate is legal, Barbieri believes the decision will renew conservatives' vigor to somehow block the measure from taking effect in Idaho, if they can.

Barbieri of Dalton Gardens in northern Idaho called the decision "unbelievable" and insists the state must do what it can to protect its finances.