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Richard Piatt ReportingIt's been an eventful week for Governor John Huntsman. After wrapping up his visit with Mexican President Vicente Fox, it's back to work, and the big issue is dental coverage for the poor.
The Utah state senate refused to even debate the issue in yesterdays' special session. But without action, hundreds of people could lose essential health coverage. However, some say it costs too much.
This has all the elements of a great political fight. There really isn't one, just differences of opinion on priorities; but in the meantime, thousands of poor and elderly will not have dental benefits, starting July 1st.
Legislators got an earful about funding the Medicaid dental benefit during this last legislative session. Those affected by losing it even bared their teeth, hoping to prove their point. It did not get funded.
Yesterday, right after Vicente Fox left the Capitol, lawmakers had a chance to consider it again, at Governor Jon Huntsman's request. Senate leaders refused to even debate it. That outraged advocates for the poor, like Judi Hilman.
Judi Hilman, Voices for Utah Children: "It was a very modest, simple proposal. And when you have a session when they're willing to put 15-million dollars in a parking structure, and not even consider this proposal, it doesn't make sense."
In fact, lawmakers did vote to borrow the 15-million dollars for a new, public parking structure on the east side. But the state can't use loans to fund Medicaid, making that a different issue.
In a statement today, Senate leaders said declining to fund Medicaid was a tough decision, but because of significant, competing needs this budget year, they felt it would be 'irresponsible to promise funding for this program.'
At his monthly KUED news conference, Governor Huntsman said he's not giving up his fight for it.
Gov. Huntsman: "It is a real issue and we have people who are in need in this state."
Reporters wondered if the differences had a 'power struggle' aspect to them. Huntsman insisted the answer is 'no'.
Gov Huntsman: "I fail to see this through a political prism. This isn't a political issue. This is what's right for people in our state who are suffering right now."
At this point, it's not clear how Medicaid dental or vision benefits might be funded in the future.
The Governor also talked about Mexican President Vicente Fox's visit, insisting it was more than just a photo-op trip, as some have suggested. He says the trip accomplished his goals when it comes to trade relations and on immigration.
The US Senate is considering sweeping changes to immigration law, including tougher border restrictions and creating a path to citizenship. This comes as President Fox concludes his trip to California today.
