Wisconsin Congressman Ron Kind says Governor Scott Walker is playing “political games” in turning down federal money to expand the state’s Medicaid programs. The La Crosse Democrat cites a Jackson-Hewitt Tax Service study that finds Governor Walker’s decision will cost Wisconsin small businesses up to $36 million in new federal taxes next year.
Walker has said he refused the federal dollars in part because he was concerned Wisconsin taxpayers would have to foot-the-bill if Washington did not live up to its obligation.
But Kind says the affordable care act, the law which contains the Medicaid expansion, is fully funded through spending reductions and new revenue.
The 3rd District Congressman says it’s not too late for Walker to follow the lead of other Republican governors who have accepted the dollars. But the longer the governor waits, Kind says, the more likely it is those funds will go to other states.
AUDIO: Kind claims Medicaid expansion would create 11,000 jobs (:46)
Larry Lee-WSAU contributed to this report