Alabama GOP Resolution Not To Expand Medicaid

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) – The Alabama Senate bogged down in partisan disagreement as GOP senators pushed through a resolution urging the governor to not expand Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act.

Senators approved the resolution on a 22-8 party-line vote.

Democrats have named Medicaid expansion a priority and voted against the bill. They said it was insulting to say it is the legislature’s official position not to expand Medicaid since some members support expansion.

Republican Sen. Trip Pittman of Montrose said the costs of Medicaid are not sustainable as they are. Pittman said Alabama Gov. Robert Bentley will face pressure to expand Medicaid.

The Senate immediately adjourned after the vote. Sen. Bobby Singleton, a Democrat from Greensboro, said the disagreement will spill over into the rest of the session.