Fla. Lawmakers, Governor At Odds On How To Solve Budget Stalemate Over Medicaid Expansion
The Republican leader of the Senate has proposed a timetable for a special session to hammer out a deal, but it's not yet clear if House leaders, who adamantly oppose expanding Medicaid, will agree.
Tampa Bay Times/Miami Herald:
Sharply Divided Legislature And Gov. Rick Scott Can't Agree On Next Step
Gov. Rick Scott and a bitterly divided Legislature darted in four different directions Thursday as Scott called for budget talks, senators suggested a special session in June, the House did not favor either idea and Democrats sued the House. As Senate President Andy Gardiner, R-Orlando, proposed a three-week session starting June 1 to craft a state budget, Senate Democrats marched to the Florida Supreme Court with an emergency petition that asks justices to rule on whether the House violated the state Constitution by adjourning Tuesday afternoon. Senators say it's unconstitutional for one chamber to shut down for more than 72 hours without the other's consent. (Bousquet and McGrory, 4/30)
Orlando Sentinel:
Lawmakers Move Toward Special Session
Lawmakers took the first step Thursday toward a special session to resolve their bitter budget impasse over health-care spending for the poor. Senate President Andy Gardiner, R-Orlando, proposed a three-week special session beginning June 1, giving the federal government enough time to determine whether to extend a billion-dollar program that pays hospitals for care for the poor and uninsured, a major sticking point in the stalemate. (Rohrer, 4/30)
Orlando Sentinel:
Gov. Scott: Take Up Budget Without LIP, Medicaid Expansion
Gov. Rick Scott weighed in on the essentially dead legislative session Thursday, saying he will set up a commission to look at taxpayer support for hospitals, as well as how to reduce health care costs and increase access. He reiterated his opposition to Medicaid expansion under Obamacare and suggested lawmakers should pass a budget without it or the $1.3 billion in federal Low Income Pool funds. The federal government has not extended the Medicaid program paying hospitals for care for the poor and uninsured. (Rohrer, 4/30)
Miami Herald:
Florida Healthcare Agency Hits The Road For Feedback On Its Proposed Extension Of Hospital Funding Program
With the Florida Legislature at a healthcare impasse, the state Agency for Health Care Administration took to the road Thursday to hear public comments on its request to continue a $2.1 billon federal program that may help solve some of Florida’s healthcare money issues — for now. ... The agency’s proposal includes extending the program until June 30, 2017, and redesigning portions of it .... The redesign would aim to distribute funds more equally and allow more hospitals to benefit, as well as reduce the link between local government contributions and the money distributed to each hospital. (Herrera, 4/30)
