In an interview with Andy Miller of Georgia Health News, state Medicaid chief Clyde Reese says the passage of H.B. 990 in 2014, requiring legislative approval to expand Medicaid, doesn't restrict him from seeking a waiver from the program.
Reese told GHN that he would be meeting with Gov. Deal's staff next week about the waiver proposal, generated by Grady Health System, that would adopt a new coverage program. Reese also said the agency has had "preliminary conversations'' with federal officials about the so-called Grady plan, but declined comment on how receptive the feds were.
State Rep. Jason Spencer, R-Woodbine, and several other conservative GOP lawmakers recently warned Reese against seeking the waiver, citing the 2014 legislation.
***
Over at Morris News Service, Walter Jones may
have latched on to the reason that Gov. Nathan Deal’s commission to recast the state’s school funding formula
He proposed skipping that step entirely and zeroing in on how the actual formula should be rewritten.
Members of the funding subcommittee disagreed with Knapp and insisted that some type of financial target was needed first.
***
In our premium edition on Wednesday, our colleague Rosalind Bentley reported that there's so far little appetite in Georgia for pursuing aTexas-style abortion law that requires clinics to meet the operating standards of full-blown surgery centers.
That 2013 Texas law, upheld by an appellate court this week, will likely lead to the closing of about half the abortion clinics in that state. Gov. Nathan Deal echoed several lawmakers in saying there's no plans to emulate the Texas model yet. Said Deal:
"It's always going to be controversial no matter what you do. That's an appellate court decision, but it's unlikely it will end there. It will probably go all the way to the Supreme Court. I haven't had any discussions with any legislators at this point about introducing similar legislation in Georgia, but it's still early."
***
We told you late Wednesday that a Fulton County judge had ordered Tyrone Brooks Jr. back on the ballot. But we didn't tell you that intraparty warfare has broken out between two other Democratic candidates in the wide-open District 55 race to replace state Rep. Tyrone Brooks Sr.
A robo-call dispatched to some residents of the south Atlanta district, claiming to be from a long-time resident of the community named "Mrs. Jackson," slams Democrat Marie Robinson Metze and favors Shelitha R. Robertson. They are among the six Democrats and one independent running for the seat.
From the robo-call:
"My husband and I are outraged and ashamed of Marie Metze for sending filth and garbage to our homes. And we denounce these shameful, vicious attacks on Shelitha Robinson for this reason. My husband and other community members will be voting and supporting Shelitha Robinson. Our community has been riddled with scandal after scandal. Marie Metze has once again proved she is mean-spirited and this is not what we want from our represented."
The number apparently showed up on Caller ID as the Democratic Party of Georgia, which didn't sit too well with the organization's honchos.
Spokesman Michael Smith sent out this message to Atlanta supporters:
"The Party's attorneys have also been in contact with the FCC and will assist with their investigation regarding the robocalls."
***
It's a busy season for Rep. John Lewis, D-Atlanta -- commencement season.
The civil rights legend's admonition to "find a way to get in the way" is popular for graduates. He told us Thursday that he has already spoken at five commencements this year and has two more scheduled, in Ohio and Wisconsin.
After that: "I get to spend all my weekends in Georgia," Lewis said.
***
The U.S. House voted down a pair of amendments by Rep. Hank Johnson, D-Lithonia, Thursday to curb police militarization. Johnson, who has taken a lead legislative role on "Black Lives Matter" issues, tried to block the Department of Defense from giving mine-resistant vehicles or flash-bang grenades to local police departments.
The amendments fell, 166-262 and 165-265, respectively.
***
Democrats triumphed once again last night in the Congressional Baseball Game, though their biggest draw did not step into the batter's box. From Roll Call:
The Democrats ultimately prevailed for their seventh straight victory, 5-2, but when Obama stepped onto the field, it was the top of the 4th inning with Democrats up 2-1.
While Democratic fans continued to cheer, Republican staffers in the stands on the first base line chanted "TPA!" — highlighting the contentious and complicated issue breaking down unique lines of both parties.
Yes, there are divisive trade votes scheduled this morning. (Click here for more on all the uncertainty in the Georgia delegation.) But we should pause here to recognize the incredible nerd game employed by those congressional staffers.
On the field, freshman Rep. Barry Loudermilk, R-Cassville -- reportedly 1-for-3 with a run scored -- was repping Kennesaw State University. The mighty owls.
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