Nelson: Medicaid deal can help other states

[LiberalAndProud]

Sen. Ben Nelson said Tuesday the controversial Medicaid funding concession granted to Nebraska opens the way to end a new unfunded federal mandate for all states.

"It's not a special deal for Nebraska," he said in a Senate floor speech. "It is in fact an opportunity to get rid of an unfunded federal mandate for all the states."

During his speech, the Democratic senator expressed disappointment in Republican Sen. Mike Johanns for his role in attacks aimed at the Nebraska provision.

"I'm prepared to fight for the state of Nebraska," Nelson said, "and I hope my colleague is as well."

Nelson also expressed disappointment that Johanns would tolerate Republican labeling of the Medicaid concession as the "Omaha Stakes Fix," parodying the name of Omaha Steaks.

http://www.journalstar.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/article_067a266c-ef5e-11de-a09f-001cc4c03286.html?mode=story

[Donnachaidh]

1. of course he said this AFTER the news about the deal being questioned

This is a speech fueled by FEAR. He probably had to change his Depends before he made it.

[Hello_Kitty]

2. Shockingly, I agree with Nelson on this.

I don't care if NE gets 100% federal funding for the Medicaid expansion if other states have the same opportunity. My state, Arizona, will be hard pressed to help cover health care for thousands of new Medicaid enrollees.