Highland, Illinois - Congressman John Shimkus (R, Illinois-19) met with the owners of Korte & Luitjohan Contractors, Inc. in Highland this afternoon.  The Congressman offered his support of their efforts challenging a federal government mandate authorized by the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (also known as the health care reform law or Obamacare) that will require them to violate their religious beliefs or pay significant annual penalties.

“While I know of the need for changes in our health care delivery system, I voted against Obamacare for many reasons,” Shimkus said.  “One of those was that the federal government would have a strong hand in our health care decisions.

“That has reared its head in a federal government mandate forcing businesses and religious institutions to violate their conscience, for example, by having to pay for abortion-inducing drugs.  I applaud Korte & Luitjohan for filing a lawsuit and wish them the best as this process moves forward.”

Korte & Luitjohan provides a group health insurance plan for its employees.  The owners are fighting against having to provide mandated coverage that violates their Catholic faith.

Their lawsuit was filed in East St. Louis District federal court.  The American Center for Law and Justice is representing the local contractor.  Their argument is the law violates the First Amendment, the Religious Freedom Restoration Act, and the Administrative Procedure Act.

###