LITTLE ROCK — The chairmen of Arkansas' largest political parties managed to agree on how legislators put together a Medicaid expansion plan that uses federal dollars to buy health care insurance for poorer residents.
Democratic Party Chairman Vince Insalaco told the Political Animals club Tuesday that Republicans had a "Jesus" moment in extending benefits, while Republican Party Chairman Doyle Webb said the health care plan is good with "a conservative spin."
Through a handful of political machinations, legislators extended what is now called Arkansas Works. Gov. Asa Hutchinson, a Republican, says the plan is good for Arkansas as long as it has certain limits — along with a requirement that some participants pay premiums.
Webb said he understands Republicans who still voted against it, saying they have to consider their constituents.
Read Wednesday's Arkansas Democrat-Gazette for full details.