State Rep. Nickie J. Antonio 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.

 Rep. Antonio offered an amendment to reinstate Medicaid expansion as originally introduced in the budget.  The amendment was tabled with the vote along party lines. An amendment was later offered that would  provide an opportunity to consider a special Waiver instead of the full expansion.

 “I am disappointed that my amendment to expand Medicaid was not accepted,” said Rep. Antonio. “However, I am committed to working on the process to extend Medicaid coverage for hardworking Ohioans which is why I voted in support of the amendment and I am prepared to work to continue the discussion.”

 This budget failed to protect the middle class and favored tax breaks for the wealthy. This budget failed to offer low income Ohioans solutions to strengthen and create a path to the middle class through expanding Medicaid. This budget failed to ensure support for strong public education for our children.

 Also problematic was the defunding of Family Planning Health Centers, including Planned Parenthood along ideological lines rather than quality of care and services.