On Medicaid: Now Or Later?

Even before the 89th General Assembly began down in Little Rock, there were hints that a few Republicans in particular, wanted a Special Session to handle possible Medicaid expansion.

Democrats, notably Gov. Mike Beebe, have resisted the delaying of Medicaid expansion. He and others want it done while the legislators are gathered for the Regular Session — now some three to four weeks from completion.

Will it get done in the Regular Session? Or will there be a mid-summer ‘Special Session’ for this topic?

And with the recent blowup in the federal budget process, does that delay the state of Arkansas’ plans as it tackles Medicaid funding?

Since no one really knows a perfect answer, at present, a look at what and how the local elected officials are thinking, is needed.

So how do the local state senators and state representatives feel about when will be a good time to handle this major financial issue?

To the question: Would you prefer the Medicaid issue be dealt with in a Special Session? Here are their answers:

State Sen. Uvalde Lindsey (D-Fayetteville): “We need to get it done while we are here in the regular session. It’s our job to do the people’s work while we are in session.”

State Sen. Jim Hendren (R-Gravette): “The Federal Government is broke. Our current Medicaid program is in the red for approximately $100 million… I don’t believe it will be possible to develop an entirely new $1 billion expansion in the remaining three to four weeks.”

On the House side of the dome:

State Rep. Greg Leding ( D- Fayetteville): “I and others, including most of the House and Senate leadership, would prefer that we address Medicaid during the regular session. At this time there is not good reason to wait.”

State Rep. Charlene Fite (R-Van Buren): “If we can get complete information prior to the end of this session, I’d love to make decisions before we go home... I’m willing to come back for a special session in order to do right by the people of Arkansas.”

State Rep. David Whitaker (D-Fayetteville): “We should address Medicaid during this Regular Session We have more than enough information to move forward. A Special Session is not necessary.”

State Rep. Charlie Collins ( R- Fayetteville): “I don’t know. Too early to say. Will try to do [it] in the General Session. Depends on what we learn and need to do.”

State Rep. Micah Neal (RSpringdale): “I think that the Medicaid issue will be taken care of at a later date…”

On the topic of eliminating the sales tax on groceries, the NW delegation sending back replies was predictable.

“Do you approve the removing of the final 1.5 percent sales tax on food?”

On the Senate side of the Capitol:

Sen. Lindsey: “Yes, we have to find a way to do it and not cut essential services, but yes we need to eliminate that final 1.5 percent tax.”

Sen. Hendren: “Yes. We need to remove this tax as well as several others.”

Back to the House membership: Rep. Whitaker: “Yes, I support Gov. Beebe’s proposal to further repeal the grocery tax responsibly.”

Rep. Fite: “Yes, I do approve of removing the final tax on groceries. However, because of budget restraints, a lot of tax reduction may not happen this session primarily because of the Medicaid issue.” Rep. Collins: “Sure.” Rep. Neal: “I’m in favor of removing the 1.5 percent sales tax on food and I believe a plan has been put together to do so.”

Rep. Leding: “I absolutely support eliminating the remaining 1.5 percent sales tax on groceries.”