ObamaCare Ruling: Prospect Heights Reacts

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

In Prospect Heights, residents had a mixed reaction to the news.

Amanda Albert, a 28-year-old medical student, said she is very happy that the law was upheld.

“I’m really excited about it and I’m hoping it will fix a broken system,” she said.

“It’s a good thing, because I think everybody needs healthcare,” said Grethel White, who worked for Empire Blue Cross Blue Shield for 35 years.

Keith Gray, a 33-year-old musician, agreed. Although he said he will probably not buy health insurance, he said he didn’t mind paying the $750 penalty because it’s only fair that everyone pay into the system.

“It’ll benefit everybody, and it’s a responsibility,” he said. “Everybody is helping everybody else out, so to speak.”

Megan McClellan, who is 29 and works at on Washington Avenue, said she used to have insurance when she was working at a full time job. But after she left that job to finish a degree in education she found she couldn't afford it.

“How am I going to afford it working at a coffee shop and trying to make it in the city?” she said.

But not everyone was happy about the ruling.

"That's unfortunate," said Tim Erwin, a 24-year-old teacher, before hopping on the 2 Train at Grand Army Plaza. 

And Richard Mastrota, a pharmacist who owns , has mixed feelings about the ruling.

On the one hand, more people will be able to afford the medication they need, but on the other hand, Mastrota's not too thrilled about the mandate requiring everyone to buy insurance.

“If the government is going to tell us what to do, that’s dangerous,” he said. “Young people may have to pay for health insurance that they may not be able to afford.”

But, he added, “As we move along in the process, hopefully we can do tweaking so that it’s better for everyone."