Gov. Perry says no to Obamacare and Obama money

Texas Gov. Rick Perry has reiterated his opposition to the Obama edict that Medicaid should be expanded. The opposition could cost the state $90 billion. However, Perry explained on Monday that accepting the expansion would make the state "hostage" to the federal government.

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AUSTIN, TX (Catholic Online) - Speaking from the capitol Perry told reporters, "It would benefit no one in our state to see their taxes skyrocket and our economy crushed as our budget crumbled under the weight of oppressive Medicaid costs."

As part of the Supreme Court's decision to uphold Obamacare, states were given the option of allowing the expansion f Medicaid or not. If Gov. Perry permitted the expansion, it would provide insurance for 1.5 million Texas residents and bring in about $90 billion in revenues from the Federal Government over the next decade.

That money makes Medicaid a tempting morsel, especially since Texas has about 29 percent of its population uninsured.

However, Perry has always been against Medicaid expansion. A course reversal would mean reversing a Gov. Perry decision, which could tarnish his reputation as a conservative maverick. Perry wants to maintain that reputation because he is likely eyeing a return to Presidential politics.

Perry is a vocal opponent of unlimited government power, which seems to be growing unchecked under the Obama administration.

Perry's objections to Medicaid are more than just about political principles. It's about opposition to a fundamentally flawed system. As more people find their way on Medicaid rolls, it will become even harder for them to find doctors and get the care they need. Perry does not want to see the problem become worse.

In other states, conservative governors have embraced the expansion and the money, including Jan Brewer (R-AZ) and Rick Scott (R-FL).

However, it appears that under Perry, there will be no expansion of Medicaid even despite the fact it could be more costly to treat millions of uninsured on the state's dime. Still, if the alternative is subjugation to the federal government, many Texans just might be okay with that.

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