For Immediate Release:

Wednesday, November 21, 2001

I am deeply disappointed by reports that the Administration's decision to break faith with the states and cut off some critical Medicaid funding this winter.

Congress recognized there was a problem with some Medicaid overpayments, and had worked with the previous Administration on a phase-out that would allow the states to adjust their spending.

Unfortunately, the current Administration has abandoned that schedule, and will begin cut off those Medicaid dollars almost immediately. This "quick fix" will abandon millions of Americans who can least afford it. This is the wrong decision at the wrong time.

The increased federal Medicaid funds received in Washington State are devoted exclusively to health care services, to provide a safety net to the most vulnerable among us – children and the elderly.

At a time when unemployment is rising, the economy slowing and people are hurting, this Administration has taken a health care crisis and made it worse.