North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper signed a Medicaid expansion measure that has been in the works for a decade on Monday, giving the Democrat a historic triumph, though one key hurdle remains before coverage can be implemented, thanks to a Republican-backed provision.
Cooper welcomed the passage of expansion legislation at an Executive Mansion ceremony attended by hundreds, which he has fought for since being elected governor in 2016. It took Republicans in control of the General Assembly all this time to come around to the idea and agree to provide coverage to additional low-income individuals, with federal funds covering the majority of the cost.
Medicaid Expansion
This year should be no exception, as the House Republicans’ budget proposal, which would spend almost $30 billion next fiscal year and nearly $31 billion the following year, including several measures that Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper, his administration, or his allies likely oppose.
Before the formal adoption and implementation of the expansion, which has been one of Cooper’s top legislative priorities for years, a state budget law for the following year must be adopted. While it is doubtful, the language might prevent Medicaid expansion if no budget is adopted.
The House budget-writing committee met Thursday to review dozens of amendments ahead of expected floor votes on the whole package next week. It includes policy restrictions that limit Cooper or his administration’s ability to implement environmental policies, oversee the State Bureau of Investigation, and administer elections.
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Senate Might Pass Similar Legislation
Because growth requires a budget, the governor may be less reluctant to veto a bill. This comes on top of his dwindling bargaining power since Republicans gained enough seats in the November elections to give them veto-proof majorities in both chambers.
Cooper sounded cautiously optimistic about reaching a final budget he could live with at the signing ceremony for the expansion law.
More special provisions of this like is expected from the Senate when Republicans vote on a rival plan later this spring. The two chambers will likely then work out their differences and deliver the agreement to Cooper.
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