I’m no fan of Gov. Butch Otter’s tax philosophy (grocery tax), but when this tax hawk states opposition to the Medicaid expansion appearing as Proposition 2, on the November 2018 ballot, I have to believe this Obamacare (Federal not-so-Affordable Care Act) Medicaid initiative must be dangerous to taxpayers and legislative appropriation decisions, as funds may have to be taken from other state department budgets. Since March 2018, 17 conservative states remain uncommitted to expanding Medicaid.

How many government hand-outs will it take before Idaho becomes California? This Medicaid initiative, undoubtedly, will evolve into an unfunded mandate, or better stated if it’s voted in, a voluntary burden as the federal government has begun cutting state contributions to this Medicaid expansion since its 2013 enactment.

Further, the beneficiaries of this proposition are capable working individuals … not the disabled or mentally-ill people incapable of work. If employer subsidized health insurance coverage is an attraction/compensation for low-paying employment, who will want to work at low pay when they can get Medicaid for free?

This is a direct opportunity for every Republican elector to vote no to a portion of Obamacare. For similar progressive liberal reasons…, a vote against every Democrat candidate, all supporting Medicaid expansion, is deserving.

This November’s election is just as important as the May 2018 election, which saw the defeat of the federal “wilderness designation.” Republican values and principles consistently dominate in North Idaho when Republicans turnout to vote.

DAN ROSE

Samuels