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Washington, DC – Congressman Brett Guthrie (KY-02) made the following remarks on the House floor today, Tuesday, November 3, 2009, on how mandating a $34 billion expansion of Medicaid will hurt Kentucky. 

“The Pelosi health care bill hits states when they are hurting the most by mandating a $34 billion expansion of Medicaid. 

“I served in state government and have helped write budgets. And I know first-hand that this expansion creates a serious problem for Kentucky’s already stretched resources and will leave fewer dollars available for our schools and universities.

“Last week, Dr. James Ramsey, the president of the University of Louisville and renowned professor of public finance, predicted the next budget period in Kentucky will be a quote, ‘bloodbath’ and said a high price will be paid for inadequate funding of all state programs.

“Phil Bredesen, the Democratic Governor of Tennessee and a health care expert, says he’s most concerned with the financial impact on states and called the plan, quote, ‘the mother of all unfunded mandates.’

“There are many reforms that will make health care more affordable and more accessible without giving huge debts to our children. Forcing state governments to look to our schools and universities for the money to meet this mandate is not acceptable. Our children deserve better.”

To watch a video of the remarks, please visit http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=66PZV4ilIRM