State Rep. John Patterson Votes against Partisan Budget that Denies Medicaid Expansion

COLUMBUS- The Ohio House of Representatives passed the state budget this evening without including the expansion of Medicaid, despite widespread support from groups all across the political spectrum and the healthcare industry. Medicaid expansion would have provided healthcare coverage to more than 275,000 Ohioans and created thousands of jobs in the healthcare field. Following the vote, State Rep. John Patterson (D-Conneaut) issued the following statement:

 “Democrats tried to pass amendments that would have helped our schools, our local governments, and those who would have benefitted from Medicaid expansion, but all were effectively rejected by House Republicans.

 “In this budget, Republicans cut taxes for the wealthy while cutting education funding for kids and refusing to accept billions of dollars to support healthcare for the poor.

 “Although I believe our caucus fought a good fight for the middle class, the budget now moves to the Senate. When it comes back to us in the House, we will again advocate for our children, our seniors and our needy.”