* From the DGA…
Rauner’s New Right-Wing Staff Not as Silent as the Governor on Health Care
Will Rauner’s Right-Wing Reset Include Siding with IPI, and Calling for Ending ACA’s Expansion?
This morning, the Senate Republicans released their newest version of Trumpcare, and will look to vote on the measure in the coming days. Last time the Senate offered legislation it failed in part due to pressure from Republican and Democratic Governors…not named Bruce Rauner
Despite the calls for leadership from the public and press, Rauner refused to comment on Trumpcare. Rauner was ridiculed for his silence. The Sun-Times called Rauner “AWOL” while Lynn Sweet wondered if Rauner had any “guiding principles.” Greg Hinz of Crain’s Chicago said Rauner’s silence was “lame” while other Governors forcefully spoke out.
Trumpcare has the potential to devastate Illinois’ budget and people. Its cuts to Medicaid would blow a $40 billion hole in the state’s budget. Rauner, fresh off his latest bipartisan budget defeat, has chosen to ignore this ax hanging over the fiscal future of the state.
One Illinois group has an idea, though; The Illinois Policy Institute has called for ending the Medicaid Expansion in Obamacare, currently providing coverage to 650,000 Illinois residents, to cut the budget.
Does Governor Rauner agree with his new staff that Obamacare’s Medicaid Expansion needs to be rolled back?
“For months, Rauner kept his silence on Trumpcare for political expediency,” said DGA Illinois Communications Director Sam Salustro. “He has failed to lead in the Trumpcare debate and abdicated responsibility for standing up for the welfare of Illinois’ residents. Trumpcare would drive up premiums for middle class families while stripping protections for people, and blowing a hole in the state budget. While other Republican Governors have stood up and made their voices heard, Rauner’s silence on Trumpcare helps it succeed.”
- Norseman - Thursday, Jul 13, 17 @ 1:11 pm:
Inquiring minds want to know.
- Not Rich - Thursday, Jul 13, 17 @ 1:12 pm:
I am sure Mr. Tillman and his patronage army of State employees on the gov’s staff are finalizing BVR’s response to the new Senate plan this weekend..stay tuned..
- AC - Thursday, Jul 13, 17 @ 1:18 pm:
I thought his answer to this question was, “Focus, Amanda, Focus”.
- LTSW - Thursday, Jul 13, 17 @ 1:19 pm:
How could it blow a $40 billion hole in the state’s budget? Our state share of Medicaid spending is only about $6 billion. Due to Cook County and hospital taxes the actual GRF share is only about $3.5 billion. The Feds are currently paying 95% of the expansion population costs.
- Rich Miller - Thursday, Jul 13, 17 @ 1:24 pm:
$40 billion is a ten-year hole. If you had clicked the link provided above you would’ve already known that. Try to keep up here http://chicago.suntimes.com/opinion/senate-gop-health-care-bill-hammers-illinois-while-rauner-is-awol/
- Not Rich - Thursday, Jul 13, 17 @ 1:25 pm:
LTSW: Please don’t let actual facts get in the way of our IPI policy.. please join Leader Brady in taking a few sips out of the IPI lemonade jar..
- Commonsense in Illinois - Thursday, Jul 13, 17 @ 1:46 pm:
So far, the Republican foray into the “affordable” healthcare proposals have strengthened the case for a single payor system, something that until now I think most Americans have generally viewed as suspect.
Nice job, guys.
- Last Bull Moose - Thursday, Jul 13, 17 @ 2:09 pm:
We want more healthcare than we want to spend. Single payer does not solve that.
I have not seen a cost control approach to medicine.
- Last Bull Moose - Thursday, Jul 13, 17 @ 2:12 pm:
We want more healthcare than we want to spend. Single payer does not solve that.
I have not seen a cost control approach to medicine. We nibble around the edges.
- Mama - Thursday, Jul 13, 17 @ 2:20 pm:
I feel “Rauner’s silence on Trumpcare” means he simply doesn’t care what happens to the people of IL.
- LTSW - Thursday, Jul 13, 17 @ 3:09 pm:
Rich, I realize that was a 10 year number, but The actual language in the both the House and Senate versions do not calculate to a cut that large. The biggest problem with both versions is that the great “small government ” lovers in DC have not included any language in the bills to allow states any flexibility to reduce their costs outside of the current onerous federal approval process. One good concept however is that the reporting and federal reimbursement will be based on eligibility group. It will be much easier too see that the elderly and disabled are accounting for 70-80% of the programs cost.
- Precinct Captain - Thursday, Jul 13, 17 @ 4:03 pm:
If Bruce says Trump maybe Diana washes his mouth with soap?
- Jaxson - Thursday, Jul 13, 17 @ 8:39 pm:
I am so sorry for the floods and cannot understand why he has no response or concern. More concerned with the long term impact of his silence with Trump Care and what it will do to Illinois . Other R Govs have had the courage or concern to speak out . Speaks of his heart and spine