"We think wisely."

Let’s focus on North Carolina. Our elected leaders chose, we think wisely, not to expand those eligible to receive Medicaid for two reasons: our own Medicaid program is in such disarray and, despite promises to pay 90 percent of the costs for the first years, few believe the federal government can indefinitely sustain payments for up to 500,000 more Medicaid recipients. North Carolina taxpayers would ultimately have to substantially increase the more than 3 billion dollars we currently spend. While practical, their decision guarantees most of them will continue using the emergency room as their first (and most expensive) choice for primary care.

What's your solution, Tom? Single payer?

(Hat tip to Chris T., on Facebook for digging this up.)

And not a single word about trying to get state funding to cover the shortfall:

"DHHS will maintain the WIC program as long as existing federal funds will allow. I urge clients to keep their nutrition appointments and continue redeeming their vouchers for the time being. DHHS continues to work to minimize any negative effects of the federal government shutdown on our employees, programs and vital services."

DHHS notes that WIC-eligible clients may also be eligible to enroll in North Carolina's Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (also known as food stamps).

Oh, that's real helpful. By the time their SNAP benefits start flowing, the Federal government will have solved this crisis and be on the cusp of the next crisis. If that's Aldona's idea of "helping" hungry women, infants and children, I'd hate to see her try to punish them.

Don't you just love it when the mics are live and the people talking are idiots:

Leaving many unemployed North Carolinians in limbo:

Sen. Bob Rucho, R-Mecklenburg, complained that McCrory hasn’t named an independent Unemployment Review Board to review decisions on unemployment benefits made by the state Division of Employment Security.

“The General Assembly wouldn’t have taken action if we didn’t think it was important,” Rucho said. “You are expected to follow the law. The governor is expected to follow the law. We’ll have to take some action” to address the issue.

Considering many of the appointments DAG McCrory has already made, it might be better for the Legislature to empanel this Board itself. Never thought I would say that...