In February, the federal Health and Human Services Agency announced that $1.4 billion in existing federal Medicaid Low Income Pool (LIP) funding for Florida would end in July, throwing a wrench into the 2015 Legislative Session.
The Florida Senate supports Medicaid expansion, while the Florida House and Governor Scott are strongly opposed. We represented our small business owner members throughout session, who oppose accepting federal funds to expand Medicaid, and stood in opposition of the bill.
With the impasse over Medicaid too insurmountable, the legislature adjourned as scheduled without passed a state budget. A budget is required to be passed each year, so legislators will return to Tallahassee June 1.
The US Supreme Court decided in NFIB vs Sebelius that the federal
government cannot compel a state government to expand Medicaid. Yet it
seems that is exactly what the federal government is trying to do by
withholding LIP funds.
As a lead plaintiff
in the lawsuit against Obamacare, NFIB v Sebelius, NFIB has been instrumental
in fighting for small business owners against the overreach of Washington
bureaucrats. Now the federal government is trying to force our state to expand
Obamacare at the expense of small business owners.
Expanding Obamacare
will force Florida into financial obligations that will put our state’s economy
and budget in jeopardy. The pro-business tax relief measures we’ve been
fighting for are being threatened, and pro-business legislation will be a thing
of the past if we expand Medicaid.
Unlike the federal government, Florida’s constitution requires the state
to be fiscally responsible and balance its budget, just like small
business owners do. NFIB members realize how important this issue is,
and are very concerned for the future of our state. That’s why NFIB will
continue fighting to maintain Florida’s great economic position and
ensure our state’s budget remains solvent.
Small business owners
have spent their lives growing their businesses, creating jobs and giving back
to our communities, and expanding a budget-busting Medicaid program will no
doubt jeopardize this progress.
So join us in this fight. Become an NFIB member today and help us strengthen the voice of small business in Tallahassee.
Bill Herrle
NFIB/Florida Executive Director
[email protected]
