Rick Scott

[Burke]

What a disappointment. Came in like Walker of Wisconsin and Christie of New Jersey.

Now he's caving on everything.

http://mobile.bloomberg.com/news/2013-02-20/florida-s-scott-said-to-agree-to-medicaid-expansion-in-reversal.html

Expect him to be clobbered in the next election.

[fredsanford]

What a disappointment. Came in like Walker of Wisconsin and Christie of New Jersey.

Now he's caving on everything.

http://mobile.bloomberg.com/news/2013-02-20/florida-s-scott-said-to-agree-to-medicaid-expansion-in-reversal.html

Expect him to be clobbered in the next election.

He came in as a con man looking to line his own pockets.

He's trying to move left now to avoid a thrashing.

[wgbgator]

He wants to raise teacher salaries $2500 too. Maybe he realizes he's the governor of a blue state, and not of Texas.

[Burke]

Walker and Christie are govs of blue states,

[geauxgator1]

What a disappointment. Came in like Walker of Wisconsin and Christie of New Jersey.

Now he's caving on everything.

http://mobile.bloomberg.com/news/2013-02-20/florida-s-scott-said-to-agree-to-medicaid-expansion-in-reversal.html

Expect him to be clobbered in the next election.

He's panicking and thinking throwing some money around will get him reelected. It will just insure Crist's election.

[BobK89]

I'm not convinced that Crist wins the Dem nomination. His old sound bites will be played in the primary and I highly doubt that life-long Dem pols in Florida who are interested in running for Governor will take a seat and hand Crist the nomination.

[Gatorrick22]

If he can't beat Crist then he sucks worse than I thought he did. And if these two clowns are our choices then the whole state of Florida is in deep doo doo.

Is Crist going to put toll-booths on all the roads to generate revenue?

:yes:

He'll try like hell.

[jmoliver]

So is it any different than when Jeb changed the pension plans for fire and police that are now costing Floridians tens of millions in additional retirement funds?

[gator7_5]

Very disspaointed in Scott..

And a guy giving up millions to take on a job for free, who financed his own campaign did it all along to line his pockets?

That logic is par for course Fred.

[Dreamliner]

Scott will probably be relieved he only has to face Christ to get re-elected.

But in either case, we'll get a Democrat governor.

[wgbgator]

Rick Scott is a Democrat now? LOL.

[Dreamliner]

Rick Scott is a Democrat now? LOL.

I can tell you didn't get the slight tongue-in-cheek.

It caused me to LOL when I read your post.

[oragator1]

I have had some face time with him, wasn't impressed. He came across as completely plastic and would not seem to stand for much of anything other than what he thought could help him.

[MichaelJoeWilliamson]

He came in as a con man looking to line his own pockets.

He is already pretty rich

He's trying to move left now to avoid a thrashing.

When will conservative realize that this does not work? Moving left will not convince liberals to vote for them and all they do is piss off their base.

[wgbgator]

I dont think Scott wants to face ads saying he denied 1.3 million poor people medical care. People already think he's a d#ck who favors the wealthy, but he probably doesnt want to be viewed as some kind of Dickensian/Mr. Burns type supervillian.

[gator7_5]

Then he should gorw hair.

[The_Graygator]

What a disappointment. Came in like Walker of Wisconsin and Christie of New Jersey.

Now he's caving on everything.

http://mobile.bloomberg.com/news/2013-02-20/florida-s-scott-said-to-agree-to-medicaid-expansion-in-reversal.html

Expect him to be clobbered in the next election.

I tend to agree.

He's done a good job in Florida economically for the most part (but the libs won't give him credit simply because he's Republican), but the main reason I supported him was because of his resistance to Obamacare. He's a businessman and he KNOWS what a trainwreck Obamacare is, but it's amazing to watch him caving like this.

I've already e-mailed and called his office with my feelings on the subject. :yes:

[T3goalie]

Crist is the Dem Nominee. Bet the farm...

All you have to do is drive around the state of Florida and you will see Crist's face on Morgan and Morgan billboards everywhere. I have been in Tallahassee, Tampa, Orlando and Miami the last 4 weekends and Crist is everywhere.

There is no way in hell Morgan would put Crist up there without a reason (and its not for PI cases).

Scott is just another in a long line of politicians that stand for nothing :lie: other than getting themselves elected. No shock there!

[orangeblueorangeblue]

Scott will probably be relieved he only has to face Christ to get re-elected.

I don't know, facing Christ seems like a pretty daunting task. I'll leave it to Satan.

[orangeblueorangeblue]

I thought Crist - take it or leave it - was largely a governor with convictions until the teacher raise thing.

[fairfaxgator]

Dude is a con artist and thief...

[fairfaxgator]

I don't know, facing Christ seems like a pretty daunting task. I'll leave it to Satan.

Scott kinda looks like the son of Satan...that would be a good match...

[gator421]

Dude is a con artist and thief...

Righto. The guy spends 30 million of his own money to be govrnor. Go figure.

[brainstorm]

Perhaps Crist should change his first name to Jesus H.

[T3goalie]

Dude is a con artist and thief...

This defines both Crist and Scott.

[Dreamliner]

"This is a new era for the state of Florida. We're not going to be a bunch of Democrats doing Democrat things. We're going to be a bunch of Republicans doing Democrat things."

-- Rick Scott --

[MichaelJoeWilliamson]

"This is a new era for the state of Florida. We're not going to be a bunch of Democrats doing Democrat things. We're going to be a bunch of Republicans doing Democrat things."

-- Rick Scott --

:laugh:

Indeed

[Dreamliner]

Weak-willed, bald, pencil-neck, deer-in-headlights look, Democrat - Rick Scott.

[tegator80]

I would prefer to think of both of them as tree types and not forest types. The immediate concerns trump the goals of your supposed convictions. But they are who they are. It is up to us to flesh these things out before we elect them.

Or make sure that we don't get fooled again.

[corpgator]

It was the right move. Money from Florida was going to go to other states to fund new medicaid recipients and none of it was going to come back. Now Florida is going to take it back from richer states.

It's the prisoner's dilemma: either all the states should take it or none of them should.

It's actually the best thing for the country that all of the poor states are refusing to accept the federal money. It will even out some of the deficit of money going from rich blue states to poor red states.

[The_Graygator]

Dude is a con artist and thief...


Because we'd have all want Alex Sink as governor bankrupting and squandering our state pension funds for billions of MORE dollars. :roll:

That said, I'm not happy with Scott on his flip-flopping on his stance on Obamacare.

What's amazing is that no one holds Obama responsible, who will take away vital medicare and medicaid funds from states that don't kiss Obama ass just the right way.

[The_Graygator]

I thought Crist - take it or leave it - was largely a governor with convictions until the teacher raise thing.

Or until he kept switching parties. Crist is a rat, and that's being nice IMO.

[texigator]

I have had some face time with him, wasn't impressed. He came across as completely plastic and would not seem to stand for much of anything other than what he thought could help him.


It sounds like you are talking about Charlie Crist.

[gtr2x]

Righto. The guy spends 30 million of his own money to be govrnor. Go figure.

Actually he spent more than that, but whose counting when its taxpayer money he and his company stole in the first place. Pretty sad choices for Floridians (again).

No matter your politics, you have to admit its a pretty schizo state that could elect both Scott and Obama.

[fairfaxgator]

Columbia/HCA...:)

[geauxgator1]

"This is a new era for the state of Florida. We're not going to be a bunch of Democrats doing Democrat things. We're going to be a bunch of Republicans doing Democrat things."

-- Rick Scott --

Nice.. that's the new motto. Scott is unimpressive, but he was holding the fort down for a while, but now, he's caved like every other weak kneed repub.

[gator421]

Actually he spent more than that, but whose counting when its taxpayer money he and his company stole in the first place. Pretty sad choices for Floridians (again).

No matter your politics, you have to admit its a pretty schizo state that could elect both Scott and Obama.

It is strange.

[fredsanford]

No matter your politics, you have to admit its a pretty schizo state that could elect both Scott and Obama.

The average voter age in 2010 nationwide was 74.

[orangeblueorangeblue]

The average voter age in 2010 nationwide was 74.

Uh

[gatorman_07732]

The average voter age in 2010 nationwide was 74.

Just when I think it can't get worse, you out do yourself almost daily :laugh:

[KelticGator]

Has anyone actually heard what Gov. Scott's reasoning was on this issue and posted that? If so I missed it on this thread. All I read here is the same old hackneyed political platitudes. I like how no one wants to explore the issue. Why do that when we can all just toss conspiracy theories around like darts like is done on every other issue?

This board is so ridiculous sometimes it actually makes me prefer an ignorant voting public to some of the intransigent political extremists that post here every day. And I realize if something is wrong its ALWAYS the other party's fault. There's never any grey in this black and white world.

[corpgator]

Has anyone actually heard what Gov. Scott's reasoning was on this issue and posted that? If so I missed it on this thread. All I read here is the same old hackneyed political platitudes. I like how no one wants to explore the issue. Why do that when we can all just toss conspiracy theories around like darts like is done on every other issue?

This board is so ridiculous sometimes it actually makes me prefer an ignorant voting public to some of the intransigent political extremists that post here every day. And I realize if something is wrong its ALWAYS the other party's fault. There's never any grey in this black and white world.

From the Wall Street Journal

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424127887324048904578316550127251368.html

Basically, by delaying the acceptance, he's able to do a 3 year trial period with the feds picking up 100% of the cost. He'll be able to count on more votes than before and if he gets reelected while claiming to reevaluate after the 3 years is up.

There's no way he'll be able to kick 1 million people off once they are on it, so he's hoping to get reelected by telling conservatives that's free money anyway and keeping liberals happy by insuring more people while knowing all along that those people are going to stay insured once the state has to start paying for it.

Besides, why should Florida not accept the money? If we don't, we're sending money out of the state to pay for every other state that did take the money. It's just dumb to reject it.

[Gatorrick22]

This should be a real close race - the bald lying loser versus the flip-flopper extraordinaire.

[gatorman_07732]

You guys are really left with a hobson's choice election

[rpmGator]

When 70% of the people want you out of office, you either change or lose your job. So he changed. Because all he wanted was the job.

Those of you that helped elect him, told you so.

A Texas talking, boot wearing, Medicare money robbing, uncle fester looking carpet bagger from Illinois like Obama is, just now failed you.

Go figure.

No way could anyone have noticed how bad he sucked when the R got in your eyes...

[g8orbill]

He was better than the liberal alternative at the time- not sure who I will support- cannot vote for our former guvnor turned personal injury attorney turned dem or Sink- not happy with Scott's move to the left- just don't know at this moment- hopefully a conservative rises to challenge ole ricky

[oragator1]

It sounds like you are talking about Charlie Crist.

He could very well be that way too, I just haven't had one on one time with him, however short it was.

The other thing about Scott is that he come across as effeminate in person. Not that it matters, but my first thought was that might be gay, Crist is almost certainly gay so they may have that in common too.

[gatorpa]

Pretty bad that Scott is now being slammed for what appears to be taking money from the feds for healthcare for florida citizens. If I'm not mistaken the money from the feds is from Florida taxpayers.

I just don't get where the problem is.....

[g8orbill]

because in future years it is all on Floirda-no fed money at all

[gatorpa]

because in future years it is all on Floirda-no fed money at all

I may be wrong but I think the 1rst 3 yrs it's 100% from the feds(us), the it drops to 75% fed support for another period of time.

Why not just plan to cut it when federal money dries up?

[T3goalie]

In other words- Scott, like most politicians, stands for anything that will help him get elected and nothing else.

The problem, of course, is how is Florida going to pay for this financial abortion in year 4! State income tax anybody?? That is the Billion dollar question that nobody is willing to discuss. Just another kick the can down the road...:zombie:

[T3goalie]

Pretty bad that Scott is now being slammed for what appears to be taking money from the feds for healthcare for florida citizens. If I'm not mistaken the money from the feds is from Florida taxpayers.

I just don't get where the problem is.....

Short term gain for long term pain!!!

[gatorpa]

In other words- Scott, like most politicians, stands for anything that will help him get elected and nothing else.

The problem, of course, is how is Florida going to pay for this financial abortion in year 4! State income tax anybody?? That is the Billion dollar question that nobody is willing to discuss. Just another kick the can down the road...:zombie:

Cut it back then?

It is sad though that both sides blister their leaders if they don't stay totally along partisan lines always. There are somethings that are not black and white.

Any idea how much the increase in covering people is going to cost?

[corpgator]

I may be wrong but I think the 1rst 3 yrs it's 100% from the feds(us), the it drops to 75% fed support for another period of time.

Why not just plan to cut it when federal money dries up?

Only drops to 90%. And after 3 years, Florida has the option to drop it. Obama knows there's no way that happens once the people are on, though.

I've been saying it all along, though, it's either Florida money going out and not coming back or Florida money coming back.

[gatorpa]

Only drops to 90%. And after 3 years, Florida has the option to drop it. Obama knows there's no way that happens once the people are on, though.

I've been saying it all along, though, it's either Florida money going out and not coming back or Florida money coming back.

So how does this hurt Floridians? I'm missing it.

At least the few doc's that take Medicaid will get a few bucks and and the hospitals saddled with the care will get a few bucks to care for them. Otherwise the hospitals pass the cost of treating unisured on to you and me or close.

[trekcid]

From what I am reading there could be a big problem in 2014 with the exchanges being
created. This could cause the whole affordable healthcare act to fall apart. The Insurance companies are not agreeing with the way the government wants the insurance exchanges created. This could have been the governments plan all along to go to a single pay system.

[corpgator]

So how does this hurt Floridians? I'm missing it.

At least the few doc's that take Medicaid will get a few bucks and and the hospitals saddled with the care will get a few bucks to care for them. Otherwise the hospitals pass the cost of treating unisured on to you and me or close.

I'm agreeing with you. It helps Floridians.

[gatorman_07732]

I'm agreeing with you. It helps Floridians.

Good Luck

http://articles.sun-sentinel.com/2013-02-22/news/fl-doctor-shortage-medicaid-expansion-if-florida-20130222_1_medicaid-expansion-new-medicaid-patients-florida-medical-association

TALLAHASSEE Brace yourself for longer lines at the doctor's office.

Whether you're employed and insured, elderly and on Medicare, or poor and covered by Medicaid, the Florida Medical Association says there's a growing shortage of doctors — especially specialists — available to provide you with medical care.

And if the Florida Legislature goes along with Gov. Rick Scott's recommendation to offer Medicaid coverage to an additional 1 million Floridians — part of the Affordable Care Act that takes effect next January — the FMA says that shortage will only get worse.

[rpmGator]

It helps doctors also as more kids will see the opportunity and fill the void.

But of course, one of our brilliant minds in poilitics has set it upon himself to make it a felony in this state, for a nurse practitioner, who has a doctorate, to call herself a doctor.

Yep, the guy with a doctorate in knot tying is still a doc, a nurse with a doctorate will be called felon.

Since the real doc is called physician, and they won't, this is what some in this state are doing to help fill the void. This is from the R side in this state. Neither party has a lock on stupid. I will feel safer when they get them overachievers..

Fear of what is going to happen anyhow is a waste of time. Look at the window's that open at least once in a while. And react like kids are and will be doing, when they react into the medical field.

[gator1986]

Rick Scott is an idiot

[g8orbill]

anyone who actually believes that any part the cost of obamacare is gong to help us is delusional

[Dreamliner]

"We going to implement a key provision of Obamacare. But here's the crucial point: we're not going to be Obama while implementing it!"

-- Rick Scott --

[T3goalie]

Cut it back then?

It is sad though that both sides blister their leaders if they don't stay totally along partisan lines always. There are somethings that are not black and white.

Any idea how much the increase in covering people is going to cost?

It is not a partisan issue (i have been a registered Dem all of my voting life). It is a fiscal/financial issue. Spending what they don't have is not partisan at all. You should not assume something just because it does not line up with your world view. The GOP and the Dem live on credit/ OGM (Other Generations Money). Scott may be your leader, he is not mine. To me he is just another in a long line of Pols who says anything to get elected and does anything to stay elected. I, like you, just have to pay for his incompetence. That is really the bottom line. We pay for the elected fools actions (See housing collapse repeal of Glass Steagal/ CRA/ and Fed policy). None of this is rocket science. And none of it is partisan.

If you believe that this is a dollar for dollar, as you implied, you need to educate yourself as to cost far beyond this simple forum. The information is out there in a non partisan fashion if you take the time to read such. My indictment of Scott was that he is not atypical but typical, concerned only with what appears to be the most expedient. He is accepting short benefit for long term detriment. I agree with you that funding issues are not black and white. They are black and red. As pointed out elsewhere, this is not a 3 year test drive, this is a commitment. There is no walking this one back if implemented. To say otherwise is disingenuous (I.e. Scott is full of cr@p) and presumes that the voting public are fools or just exhausted from 24 hour partisan news...

I asked the question does this lead to a state income tax in the future? Time will tell. However you should get educated on the subject before you adopt the Rodney King mantra of "why cant we all just get along". It does not wear well. Res Ipsa, indeed!

[gatorpa]

As you note it is not a simple issue, in part because currently unisured are still getting care who is paying for it now? Hospitals, which in turn pass the cost to you and me. Why do you think an asprin costs $3 at the hospital?(Oversimplifing but you get it).

After 3 yrs Fla can opt out.

Scott said he would support an initial three-year expansion of Medicaid but made clear he would not twist legislators’ arms to make it happen. He reiterated that his top priorities are a $2,500 pay raise for teachers and a sales tax break for manufacturers’ equipment purchases.
Under the governor’s proposal, the Legislature — after three years — would have to vote to reauthorize the program to keep it going.
Read more here: http://www.miamiherald.com/2013/02/20/3244176/fla-medicaid-privatization-plans.html#storylink=cpy

Now you may be right and the pols will be afraid to take it away after 3 yrs but if the Feds are paying for it for the 1rst 3 yrs what does it cost Floridians? It's about time we see our federal tax dollars come back in some fashion.

I've lived here my whole life and anytime any thought of a state income comes up it gets destroyed so I don't think that will happen.

[Burke]

Trying to buy off the teachers will get him nowhere with them and just alienate his base.

With some pretty good Republican govs around, how did we get stuck with this SOB?

[gatorpa]

Trying to buy off the teachers will get him nowhere with them and just alienate his base.With some pretty good Republican govs around, how did we get stuck with this SOB?

This maybe true, but is the GOP base "anti-teacher" or anti over-spending?