Governor Rick Scott’s support of the Medicaid expansion under the federal health care overhaul law may not have endeared him to Republicans. The decision comes as a surprise since Scott has been a vocal critic of the Affordable Care Act championed by the President. But, the Republican Governor’s recent reversal may have some Florida Democrats singing his praises.
Governor Rick Scott says he had no choice but to support the Medicaid expansion.
“With the facts I have today, even though I believe that the right approach is different than the President’s approach, we have a Supreme Court decision and we have an election that says this is the law of the land,” said Scott.
Some say the Governor’s change of tune could be because of the upcoming gubernatorial election. But, House Democratic Leader Perry Thurston says whatever the reason, he applauds the Governor’s decision to do what’s right for Floridians.
“We’re glad he’s coming to see things the way we see it. We may invite him to join our party maybe,” joked Thurston.
Wednesday, Scott became the seventh Republican Governor to show his support for the expansion for low-income families. Some speculate this could cost him votes and support among his own party when he runs for re-election in 2014.
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