Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam answers questions during a meeting with the Times Free Press editorial board. At left is Alexia Poe, director of communications for the state of Tennessee.NASHVILLE – A bill barring the state from expanding the number of TennCare enrollees under the federal Affordable Care Act has 16 Republican sponsors, one vote shy of the 17 votes needed to pass the bill on the Senate floor.
But Senate Speaker Ron Ramsey, R-Blountville, said he wants to delay action to give Gov. Bill Haslam, a fellow Republican, more time to study the issue and see whether it makes financial sense for Tennessee to participate.
“I think we’ll hold up until we get the proper data,” Ramsey said, adding it “takes a lot of analyzing.”
Still, Ramsey continues to voice skepticism about the expansion.
Ramsey’s comments came as Sen. Brian Kelsey, R-Collierville, announced Thursday that he has 15 co-sponsors for his bill. The list includes area Republicans Todd Gardenhire, of Chattanooga; Mike Bell, of Riceville; Janice Bowling, of Tullahoma; and Ken Yager, of Harriman.