Legislator optimistic for Medicaid expansion
Rep.
"Hopefully, we can come up with a win, win situation," said Farmer-Butterfield, D-
"That's a lot people in
Across the country, 37 states, including the
"And it's working in red and blue states," she said. "We can do it in
She said in some states that have passed Medicaid expansion, health insurance premiums are lower for those who do pay health insurance.
"Helping people who don't have insurance will help those who do," she said.
She added that 90 percent of Medicaid expansion in
"There would be no increase in tax dollars involved," she said.*
Farmer-Butterfield also contended that the expansion would create more than 40,000 jobs statewide and more than 300 jobs in
"It's an economic stimulus to the whole state's economy," she said. "That's why we need it."
LEGISLATIVE SESSION PRIORITIES
In addition to Medicaid expansion, Farmer-Butterfield has a list of priorities for the new legislative session, including expanding early childhood education programs to eliminate waiting lists. She said it's vital for children to have access to early education.
"If you invest in pre-kindergarten now, it saves us money down the line," she said. Research shows that children do better in school when they have access to early education, she added.
Farmer-Butterfield also plans to focus on raising teacher pay, including veteran teachers as well as principals, to the national average. Other priorities include "equal pay for equal work" and "earn while you learn" as well as apprenticeships at community colleges.
"Every student needs the resources to get the best job they can," she said. She also wants to help farmers in rural communities including
Other priorities include:
--Raising the minimum wage
--Looking into updating child support guidelines (a suggestion from a
--Putting pressure on lawmakers in
--Taking a fresh look into whether the current anti-bullying bill needs to be strengthened to ensure policies and procedures that are currently in place are being enforced
--School bond issue for construction and supplies and other needed items for public schools
'MOVING NORTH
Farmer-Butterfield will also hold a
Topics will include legislative priorities and public policy for 2019. Farmer-Butterfield said the meeting is also to recruit members for the 2019
"I would like for people to come out and talk to me," she said, adding that she needs people on the committee to volunteer their expertise.
"Let's make each other accountable for what's happening in our district," she said.
The meeting is free and open to the public. Register by
* = CORRECTION,
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