Speaker Weatherford's Opening Day remarks reaffirm his opposition to Medicaid expansion

Speaker of the Florida House Will Weatherford delivered his opening day remarks earlier this morning as the 2013 Legislative Session began, and they're worth reading.

Weatherford outlines the ambitious agenda he has set for the 500th anniversary of Ponce de Leon's discovery of Florida, including reform of the state's campaign finance and election laws, pension system, and schools. 

Notably, Weatherford also continues his strong opposition to Medicaid expansion:

The notion that we’re going to receive free money from the federal government is laughable. 

This is the same federal government that has not passed a budget in nearly four years. 

This is the same federal government that spends 1.2 trillion dollars more than it takes in in every year. 

Florida is being tempted with empty promises to comply with policies we would never pay for if we knew the true cost. 

They’re trying to buy off states one by one. 

I am not buying it. Florida should not buy it. 

Because their failure to deliver has such high stakes for Floridians. 

If they get this wrong, we are on the hook. 

It would be far easier for me, and for us, to simply say yes to the so called “free money,” enjoy the accolades for a few years, and leave office knowing that the true cost will come due long after we’re gone.  

It’s not right, and it’s not what I signed up for.

Read Weatherford's full remarks here.

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