The House doesn’t want to dance with the Senate on a healthcare deal to balance the state budget but it’s willing to go to war. Thursday afternoon the Florida House passed a $76.2 billion state budget. The Senate Wednesday had approved an $80.4 billion plan.
Most of the difference between the two is found in the Senate’s plan to replace money lost when the federal government ends a hospital reimbursement program with money available to expand Medicaid.
Earlier in the day, House Democratic Leader Mark Pafford explained that the $4.2 billion difference is easily surmountable.
“Right now the House basically needs to understand that they are somewhat isolated in this ideological debate,” said House Democratic Leader Mark Pafford. “We have a willing federal partner who can help the state of Florida get this budget settled. We have a willing Senate that is ready to work with the House. They’re looking for a partner,” said Pafford calling to mind the Orleans’ standard Dance With Me.
The problem, though, is getting the Senate plan before the House and that does not seem likely.
“Here’s what I say to the Senate and our counterparts, it takes two to tango” said House Appropriations Chairman Richard Corcoran. “They want us to come dance? We’re not dancing. We’re not dancing this session. We’re not dancing next session. We’re not dancing next summer. We’re not dancing. And if you want to blow up the process because somehow you think you have that right that don’t exist. Have at it.”
Corcoran said instead of dancing the House is willing to go to “war against the status quo” and the profiteers in the healthcare industry.
Lawmakers have until the end of April to decide if they want to dance the session to an on-time close or go into overtime and a hot summer in the city of Tallahassee.
