Forget Pop-Tarts, focus on state’s health, economy

As Tallahassee gets down to business this week, all sorts of irrelevant issues are commanding attention. Like Pop-Tarts. Some legislators want to pass a law ensuring that children have the right to chew their toaster pastries into the shape of a gun without getting into trouble.

No, I’m not kidding. This bit of frosting-topped nonsense zipped through a committee on the very first day of the legislative session.

Meanwhile, one of the most important issues facing this state is stalled — one that would invigorate our economy, create more than 100,000 jobs, and help save lives.

I’m talking about Florida’s refusal to accept more than $50 billion worth of federal money to provide health care for uninsured Floridians.

Quite simply, there is no bigger issue facing our state. The financial and human implications are enormous.

Yet a handful of politicians are denying this infusion of cash and care, simply to make a political statement. That is wrong. Fortunately, it is also fixable. I’m going to tell you how — also, who’s to blame and how you can apply pressure.

But first, a bit about why this expansion is so important.

Basically, the expansion is the first wave of the Affordable Care Act. The federal government has agreed to help fund the cost of expanding Medicaid coverage to more low-income Americans.

The results would be profound. Estimates show that about a million Floridians who make poverty wages or just a bit above — $27,000 for a family of three — would qualify for coverage.

For that reason alone, Gov. Rick Scott has said he could not “in good conscience” turn away the Medicaid money. That’s right, the Obamacare money.

And he’s not alone. Governors across the country — from Nevada and New Mexico to Ohio and West Virginia — have also put politics aside to accept this money. Even Arizona’s die-hard conservative governor, Jan Brewer, said taking the money was simply the “pro-life” thing to do.

But the benefits of this Medicaid expansion don’t end with health care.

States that accept the money also expect to see jobs skyrocket when the health-care dollars come. The University of Florida predicted 120,000 new jobs for the Sunshine State. That’s why groups such as the Florida Chamber of Commerce have advocated taking the money, as well.

So, to recap: Business groups want the money. Health-care advocates want the money. Gov. Scott wants the money. Democrats want the money. Even Republicans in the state Senate, including Senate President Don Gaetz and president-elect Andy Gardiner, want the money. So why don’t we have the money? Because House Speaker Will Weatherford and a handful of his GOP peers would rather demagogue the politics of “Obamacare” than help the state’s economy or its residents.

It’s particularly ironic, considering these same politicians get generous taxpayer-subsidized health-care plans ... and considering Weatherford’s own family received Medicaid assistance when he was a child. Floridians deserve better. If you agree, you need to speak up. Call Speaker Will Weatherford’s office at 850-717-5038 and tell him to listen to the business community. Listen to Rick Scott. Maybe even try listening to his heart.

But don’t stop there. Contact Republican House members as well — guys like Jason Brodeur of Sanford, Tom Goodson of Titusville, Mike LaRosa of Celebration, Larry Metz of Groveland, Bryan Nelson of Apopka and Ritch Workman of Melbourne.

You can reach them by calling the legislative switchboard at 850-717-5650 or find their cybercontact info at myfloridahouse.gov.

Tell them to listen to their GOP colleagues in the Senate — and that you’re aware their chamber is responsible for Florida losing out on $50 billion.

Basically what these guys need to know is that you want them to focus more of their energy on jobs and health care ... and less time on Pop-Tarts.