Republican Governors Oppose Unfunded Healthcare Mandates

Where do the Democratic governors stand?

Republican Governors Haley Barbour (MS), Tim Pawlenty (MN), Rick Perry (TX), Bob Riley (AL), Sean Parnell (AK), Jan Brewer (AZ), Sonny Perdue (GA), Linda Lingle (HI), Bobby Jindal (LA), John Hoeven (ND), Mitch Daniels (IN), Mike Rounds (SD), Gary Herbert (UT), Jim Douglas (VT) and Governor-Elect Bob McDonnell (VA) expressed their concerns with the impact the healthcare legislation pending in Congress would have on state budgets during a press conference today at the Republican Governors Association Annual Conference.

The governors expressed particular concern about the cost of expanding Medicaid and urged their Democratic colleagues to also speak out about the bill’s impact on state budgets.

RGA Chairman Haley Barbour noted that the House’s healthcare bill would cost Mississippi $200 million more per year in expanded Medicaid costs. In Georgia expanding Medicaid would cost the state $2.4 billion over 5 years, and it would cost Indiana $1.4 billion over 10 years.

Democratic governors face massive budget deficits next year, which would only be exacerbated by the federal government forcing states to expand Medicaid eligibility.

“Democratic governors and candidates have a decision to make,” said RGA Executive Director Nick Ayers. “Will they stand with Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid? Or will they stand with the taxpayers in their states?”

Projected FY 2010 Budget Deficits in States Where Democratic Governors Are Seeking Reelection Next Year

· New Hampshire: $250 million

· Massachusetts: $5.6 billion

· New York: $20.9 billion

· Maryland: $2.8 billion

· Ohio: $3.6 billion

· Illinois: At least $3.2 billion

· Iowa: $1.2 billion

· Arkansas: $235 million