The Michigan Senate could vote this week on a proposal to expand Medicaid coverage in the state.
The Detroit News reports that a fierce battle is expected in the state Senate over Medicaid expansion.
Politico reports Michigan could join a list of states with Republican governors and GOP control of the Legislature to approve the expansion, which is allowed under the federal Affordable Care Act. The House approved the expansion last week.
Gongwer News Service Editor Zach Gorchow blogs (June 13th entry) about the chances that Republican lawmakers voting for the Medicaid expansion could face primary challenges next year. A group of tea party activists has said it won't support Governor Snyder's bid for re-election because of Medicaid.
Gorchow finds history shows that single issues don't normally sink incumbent lawmakers in a primary. However State Representative Lorence Wenke came close in 2004 over his refusal to support an amendment to the state Constitution banning gay marriage. The Richland Republican narrowly held on in the GOP primary before he was re-elected in the fall.
