Legislation to advance the Obamacare Medicaid expansion in Kansas failed by a single vote Wednesday, likely killing the bill until the next legislative session.
Senate Majority Leader Jim Denning, a Republican, voted “pass” on a Democratic procedural motion to advance the bill, meaning that it fell one short of the 24 votes to keep it alive as the state legislative session winds down. The final vote was 23-13.
“I’m not saying no,” Denning said after the vote. “I’m saying this policy isn’t ready.”
Denning has staunchly opposed Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly’s Medicaid expansion plans. He has said in the past that he was concerned about how the new policy would affect the state’s budget, and wanted a definitive funding plan from the governor before voting on the bill.
After Wednesday’s vote, Kelly said that Denning was impeding the state from enacting a measure a majority of Kansans want.
“It is very clear that a strong majority in the Kansas Senate support Medicaid expansion and want the opportunity to debate and vote on it this year,” Kelly said. “I’m pleased with their courage and determination. I’m also grateful for the work of so many advocates and citizens who fought tirelessly during April to make their voices heard on this issue.”
A similar measure was brought to the state legislature in 2017. The Republican-controlled state legislature voted to advance the bill, but it was vetoed by Republican Gov. Sam Brownback.
