This afternoon, the Arizona House Appropriations Committee failed Senate Medicaid expansion legislation. SB 1492 (2013‑2014; health; welfare; budget reconciliation), sponsored by Senator John McComish (R-Dist. 18), received a vote of 4 ayes and 7 nays.
McComish was expected today to offer testimony in support of his bill, but was a “no show.” His absence signaled to some that there is a growing realization among republican expansion proponents that they lost support from their constituents and fellow lawmakers.
After assessing the committee vote, Speaker Andy Tobin (R-Dist. 1) stated, “The Members of the Appropriations Committee clearly illustrated pitfalls associated with Medicaid expansion. The committee’s conclusion demonstrates the obvious problems Republicans generally have with the plan and it also shows that their decision is one that should not be taken lightly.”
A bill which would allow unannounced inspections of abortion clinics passed with a 7-4 vote.