Gov. Roy Cooper wants to expand Medicare in North Carolina, however, Republican lawmakers are objecting to the change. | Twitter
Gov. Roy Cooper wants to expand Medicare in North Carolina, however, Republican lawmakers are objecting to the change. | Twitter
North Carolina State Sens. Deanna Ballard (R-Watauga) and Harry Brown (R-Onslow) have condemned Democrat Gov. Roy Cooper's plan to funnel unbudgeted funds toward an expansion of Medicare.
Last year's attempt to expand Medicaid funding was met with Republicans' opposition, The Center Square reported on Aug. 26. Much like last year, Republicans are objecting to Cooper's expansion of unbudgeted funding for it this year, with Brown calling it "irresponsible, reckless and negligent."
Cooper wants to spend $457 million, but fiscal analysts are warning against this.
"This amount would not be recurring, and it may put negative pressure on the 2020-21 [revenue] forecast," fiscal analysts said, The Center Square reported.
In addition to a Medicaid expansion, Cooper wants to give bonuses to teachers, principals, school support staff and higher education employees, The Center Square reported. But these funds would be taken from the state's private school voucher fund, thus enabling fewer families to afford private education.
Cooper is also suggesting unemployment benefit weekly payments to increase and expanded to 15 weeks from 12 weeks.
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