Doctors group blasts S.D. attorney general over health reform challenge

South Dakota Doctors for America chastised Attorney General Marty Jackley this week for joining in the multi-state lawsuit to block implementation of the new healthcare reform law.

But Jackley isn't backing down.

"The question is whether or not the federal government has gone too far in requiring individuals to purchase a qualifying health care coverage and to have an unfunded federal mandate forced upon the states," Jackley said.

Jackley said both he and Gov. Mike Rounds deemed it in the best interest of the state to join in the lawsuit, brokering a deal with the 20 other states to pay $1,000 in legal fees. North Dakota also pays $1,000 to be part of the suit.