Dispute over Mississippi Medicaid is complex, partisan
“Think about all of God’s children, think about local hospitals and health care professionals, think about the maimed,” Rep. Steve Holland, D-Plantersville, told the House on Friday as he argued for expansion.
Reviving the House bill would’ve taken 68 votes. The vote was 60-52, largely along party lines.
House Speaker Philip Gunn, R-Clinton, told reporters later that there are not enough votes in the House to pass Medicaid expansion.
“As it stands right now, July 1 the program will cease to exist and the Democrats are the ones who have brought us to that point,” Gunn said.
House Democratic Leader Bobby Moak of Bogue Chitto said expansion could support thousands of health care jobs in one of the poorest states in the nation. He said Republicans are blocking the chance for debate.
“It’s too many Mississippi souls on the line,” Moak said in an interview.
Daily Journal
2/15/13
Magnolia Tribune
