Many States Are Pushing Back on Health Reform

(June 8) -- This week, the White House embarked on a major publicity push on behalf of the health care reform law. Given the state of play in the states, the administration has a long road ahead of it -- particularly when it comes to the health insurance mandate.

In the months following the law's enactment, 23 states have taken action against this key provision of the health reform law -- either passing legislation or a constitutional amendment or suing to block key elements of the law, according to the American Legislative Exchange Council.

Six states have already passed laws to prevent the mandate from taking effect in their states. Four have enacted statutory measures, and three have amended their constitutions (one state has done both). Statutory measures go into effect without voter approval, but the constitutional amendments passed by legislatures in Arizona, Florida and Oklahoma have to be approved by voters in those states this election year before taking effect. In addition, lawmakers in dozens of other states have introduced legislation, and 19 have proposed constitutional amendments.

Also, 21 state attorneys general have filed lawsuits on the grounds that the health care mandate is unconstitutional. On Monday, Virginia Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli responded to the Obama administration's move to dismiss the Virginia lawsuit, which challenges the federal mandate that people obtain coverage or face penalties.

At the same time, the public remains highly skeptical of the new law. A RealClearPolitics.com average of health care surveys finds that 52 percent of people are opposed to it.

The map below shows the states that have passed legislation or a constitutional amendment, or have filed suit against the federal government.

Source: American Legislative Exchange Council

Christopher Foeckler, a student at Christendom College, is an AOL News intern.