By SUSAN HAIGH
Associated Press

HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) – Many Connecticut officials are cheering the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to uphold President Barack Obama’s health care overhaul legislation, saying the state can press ahead with plans to offer a new health insurance marketplace to residents.

State Comptroller Kevin Lembo, a Democrat, said Thursday’s decision ensures at least 500,000 residents will have access to health care coverage.

With the high court’s ruling, Lembo said the state will now “pick up the pace” and make decisions about the new exchange, such as the types of insurance products that will be offered and ways to encourage people to get regular medical check-ups to ultimately cut costs.

Some Republicans expressed disappointment over the ruling. U.S. Senate candidate Linda McMahon said the tax increases in the federal law “will devastate small businesses and middle class families.”

     (Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.)