/Republicans Hosemann, Reeves at odds over Medicaid, teacher pay and gas tax So how might they work together in the Legislature

Republicans Hosemann, Reeves at odds over Medicaid, teacher pay and gas tax So how might they work together in the Legislature

Lt. Governor. Lt. Gov. Delbert Hosemann and Tate Reeves — who would become the next governor of the state if Republicans win in November — presented opposing solutions during their campaigns. These divergent policy ideas raise questions about how they might work together in state government, and how much they would accomplish. This is especially important as Reeves tries to win Republican support following a divisive GOP governor’s race and convince members from his party who voted in former state Chief Justice Bill Waller Jr., that he can defeat Jim Hood, a moderate Democrat. Hosemann supports Medicaid expansion under the Affordable Care Act in order to help the state’s 31 rural hospitals that are on the brink of financial collapse. He even met with one of the main architects of Arkansas’ Medicaid expansion legislation. Arkansas developed a plan in 2013 to use federal Medicaid dollars for uninsured persons to buy private health insurance. Later, Arkansas added work requirements to certain Medicaid beneficiaries and cost sharing. Reeves has resisted any expansion of Medicaid. He claims that it could add 300,000. Reeves pointedly criticised fellow Republican challengers for their support of the idea, likening Waller with archliberals in Congress, such as U.S. Rep. Alexandria OcasioCortez or Speaker Nancy Pelosi. Reeves stated that Waller was a conservative and could support Obamacare expansion. Reeves has not spoken extensively about his plan to provide coverage for uninsured Mississippians. Reeves’ campaign website states that one of his health-care plans involves “protecting and maintaining the financial integrity and soundness of the Medicaid system” and “ensuring its fiscal sustainability.” He also suggests that a future lieutenant governor would be in charge of the state Senate. A governor with veto power could play out on other important issues. Hosemann believes it is past time to address the state’s current infrastructure crisis. Hosemann spoke out Wednesday to discuss the possibility of a state gasoline tax increase in order to fix the state’s hundreds of bridges that are currently closed and the halting of new highway construction. Reeves, echoing his position regarding Medicaid, said in August that Waller had proposed a gas tax hike. He also said, “I don’t believe you can raise taxes while being conservative.” Reeves’ $1 billion infrastructure plan, which he called his plan for infrastructure, involved money from the rainy day fund as well as contributions from local governments. It was defeated during 2018 legislative session. Reeves has not yet indicated whether he will revisit the proposal if he is elected governor. Infrastructure is not listed as one of his key issues on his campaign website. Reeves lowered last month the impact his tough lines on Medicaid expansion and the gasoline taxes could have on his relationship to Hosemann or Jay Hughes, an Oxford Democrat who is opposing Hosemann for the seat of lieutenant governor. Reeves stated that he has no intention of isolating himself from anyone on August 20. “I will tell the world what I stand for, and I will tell them what I oppose.” I believe the voters should know this. I oppose raising the gas tax. Taxes are too high. I oppose Obamacare expansion in our state, and putting 300,000. more people on the rolls.” Reeves has repeatedly praised Mississippi’s educational achievements over the past eight years. He also lauded the salary increases and incentive programs for Mississippi teachers that he oversees. Reeves has called for more accountability and a reduction in administrative spending to give teachers a better salary. He mocked the idea of more money for teachers during the Republican nomination battle, saying that “That is certainly an admirable goal and one which we should all strive to achieve… We have to be realistic about the numbers and make sure things can be done within our budget.” Hosemann stated that his first priority as a legislator in January 2020 would be raising salaries for public school teachers. Reeves was criticized by public educators for his $1,500 teacher raise which failed to increase Mississippi’s average teacher wage. Hosemann’s policies closely mirror Hood’s and Waller’s. Waller won 46 percent of the Republican vote despite having less hardline leanings. Hosemann’s contrasts with Reeves were made more apparent this week, when Hosemann pledged to adopt a bipartisan leadership style that the Legislature had abandoned in recent years. Reeves was known for his imposing leadership style in the Senate. He shut out most rank-and file Democrats from the legislative process and brawled often with House Republicans. This led to major Republican policy proposals being killed. After receiving the Wednesday endorsement of Guest in Rankin County on Wednesday, Hosemann reflected with attendees on the past and promised to create coalitions at the Capitol to address the state’s most pressing problems. Hosemann stated that they worked together across the aisle when Democrats controlled both the House of Representatives, and the Republicans controlled the other. We were still able to work together, even though we didn’t talk about each other. We would talk to one another. We were able go back through the process to having conversations about a shared goal.” Hosemann added: “That’s something we need to treasure. We will be working together between the Senate and the House. We will work with everyone to achieve the goals of Mississippi’s education, healthcare and infrastructure. Hosemann said that legislative dysfunction would be solved. This was also in the context of questions about whether Hosemann would endorse Reeves. Waller stated earlier in the week that he will not endorse Reeves in the November elections. Hosemann evaded questions about Reeves at a Monday press conference. Hosemann said that he believes the party is best served by everyone settling down a bit before any endorsements or other things are done. He spoke at an event hosted by his campaign in which he was endorsed and supported by Republican Congressman Michael Guest. We had a campaign for lieutenant governor, we had a distinct winner and we’re ready go ahead. In the Nov. 5 general elections, Hosemann will face Jay Hughes, a Democratic state representative. Hughes supports similar policies to Hood and Hosemann, including Medicaid expansion._x000D