From SAMHSA's Weekly Financing News Pulse: National Edition - February 4, 2011: Ruling in the Florida-based multi-state lawsuit challenging the national health care reform law, U.S District Court Judge Roger Vinson found that the law’s individual insurance mandate exceeds Congress’ constitutional power to regulate interstate commerce.  In addition, Judge Vinson’s January 31 decision ruled that the entire law must be voided because the individual mandate is central to the legislation.  However, Judge Vinson did not grant the plaintiffs an injunction barring implementation during appeals.  In addition, despite ruling that the mandate voids the entire law, Judge Vinson found that health reform’s Medicaid expansion does not infringe on state sovereignty because states are not obligated to participate in the program.  U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) officials say they will appeal the case to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit in Atlanta.  To date, Judge Vinson’s ruling is the fourth on the health reform law, and the second to reject the individual mandate.