The single most difficult issue dealing with budget negotiations is that the Senate has inserted in their budget the requirement that we would have to expand Obamacare by the expansion of Medicaid.  The House and Senate last year agreed that this issue would be best addressed by a bi-partisan legislative commission that would also be able to find ways to make the program more effective and efficient.  Unfortunately, this year the Senate and the Governor have so far said that they will hold the budget hostage unless we agree with their position.  This is clearly “Washington style” politics and a breach of faith on last years’ agreement.  I find it irresponsible to delay action on providing the necessary funding for education, public safety, transportation, social programs, and all other areas of the budget, just to cave in to their “my way or no way” tactics.  All of the members of the assembly understand that we have to assist those who have medical needs without the finances to pay for them.  Many of us feel this has to be addressed outside of Obamacare.