Even though the state is no longer required under the program to contribute funds in exchange for federal dollars, as was the case in 2010, opponents argued that Arizona citizens are still indirectly financing the program by paying for the program through federal taxes.
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But the House approved the measure on a 38-21 vote, along with a requirement that it be immediately transmitted to the Senate for action.
“I have to go back to school in the fall and I have to look kids in the eye and say, ‘Sorry, you can’t see a doctor in a timely manner because our state would not provide KidsCare”, said Ackerley, a high-school teacher in Tucson.
PHOENIX Arizona’s governor signed into law on Friday a bitterly contested proposal that will restore a federal health insurance program for children from low-income families, making it the last of its 49 counterparts to join the program. Its fate there remains unclear because Senate President Andy Biggs blocked a previous version.
Advocates said the bill is necessary for places like Arizona State University’s downtown campus that has buildings throughout downtown Phoenix.
The move in the final days of the legislative session could force Biggs to either allow KidsCare to pass or adjourn, said Rep. Jay Lawrence, r-Scottsdale, who opposes the plan.
“These are children who need health care, who are in the most needy situation”, Worsley said.
“This is a good bill that makes good reforms”, he said.
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The legislative battle over a bill restoring a program providing health insurance to an estimated 30,000 low-income children is now squarely in the hands of the Arizona Senate. But Biggs is adamantly proposed to the KidsCare plan. Twenty-two other Republicans joined Leach in that “yes” vote in March, including House Speaker David Gowan, R-Sierra Vista; Majority Leader Steve Montenegro, R-Litchfield Park; and Majority Whip David Livingston, R-Peoria.
