Gov. Charlie Crist held a news conferenceon Tuesdayafternoon and addressed a number of topics ranging from Attorney General Bill McCollums lawsuit against the federal government for passing healthcare legislation to bills in the Legislature.
Crist was asked why the number of uninsured Floridians is on the rise despite his Cover Florida package being implemented in 2008. The governor insisted that Cover Florida was a success but he also said that his administration needed to do a better job at getting the word out.
Crist said that, in some cases, health insurances costs went down from $600 a month to $150 a month. He said, I think Cover Florida, which had no government mandates, is the right approach.
Asked about McCollums litigation, Crist reiterated his support for the lawsuit. He said, This is a very responsible approach to protect the states rights. Bringing up his experience as a lawyer and his tenure as Florida Attorney General, Crist said that McCollums case had merits and he wished McCollum the best of luck. They have a very good case, Crist said.
When asked about the House passage of Rep. Seth McKeels, R-Lakeland, bill restoring affiliated party committees, Crist said he was unsure as the Senate version had not yet passed. Despite that, Crist offered a positive assessment of McKeels bill. Crist said, I like the greater transparency.
Asked about a bill in the Senate sponsored by Sen. John Thrasher, R-St. Augustine, supporting merit pay for teachers, Crist said he supported the measure. When asked about abolishing tenure, Crist said, Its not a bad idea.
Crist addressed questions on a bill in the House from Rep. Matt Hudson, R-Naples, that would reorganize the state Department of Health. It is way too early to opine on it, Crist said.
The governor said that he respected the leadership of both houses of the Legislature for not including an extension of Federal Medical Assistance Percentage match (FMAP) for Medicaid funds in their budgeting process.
Crist said that both houses of the U.S. Congress passed the additional funds and that he expected the FMAP money by the end of the month. He said, Its time to start warming up to the funds.
Crist also defended his administration for including the FMAP funds in their initial draft of the budget saying that he had expected the measure to pass Congress.
Kevin Derby, a reporter for Sunshine State News, can be reached at kderby@sunshinestatenews.com or (850) 727-0859.
