Barbour, McCoy talk Medicaid at the Fair

Thursday, July 31, 2008, 12:20 p.m.:

Barbour, McCoy talk Medicaid at the Fair

By Fredie Carmichael
editor@themeridainstar.com


The governor delivered a few barbs aimed at presidential hopeful Barack Obama and briefly spoke about Medicaid during his speech, the final one today at the Neshoba County Fair at Founders Square.
Gov. Barbour said of the proposed $375 million in Medicaid cuts: "We believe we have found a way to make them in a far less harmful manner."
But, he said, "make no mistake: the law requires the cuts."
"I expect an announcement of a revised proposal by the time the Legislature returns (for special session) on Monday."
Minutes after his speech, House Speaker Billy McCoy emerged from a cabin and responded to Barbour's Medicaid comments.
"We believe (the reduction in cuts) validates, vindicates and any other v's our position in the House," McCoy said.
The speaker said the Senate remains to act as the "left arm of the governor" and said he reminded reporters that the House's position is that the solution to Medicaid should be solved, at least in part, by an increase in the tax on tobacco.
"We've compromised," McCoy said.