RTV6's Norman Cox reported the National Federation of Independent Business called the decision a devastating loss for small businesses here and across the country.

"I know everyone's reeling at this moment, and small-business owners are wondering if they're even going to be able to keep their doors open," said Barbara Quandt, a small-business lobbyist. "This health care law was supposed to reduce the cost. And instead, costs are going up. And they are continuing to rise."

Republican senate candidate Richard Mourdock said the ruling means it's time to step up efforts to repeal the law.

U.S. Rep. Joe Donnelly, a Democrat, said the law is less than perfect, but said he will work with both sides to improve it.

Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels called the law unwise, but said he has not decided yet how Indiana will respond on issues like health insurance exchanges.

One local voice that didn't speak out was that of WellPoint, which is expected to see a multibillion-dollar impact due to the court's ruling.

A company representative issued a statement right after the announcement of the court's decision, but that statement didn't address the court ruling at all. It only reaffirmed WellPoint's commitment to continue to improve the nation's health care delivery system.