March 22, 2009
"What's Medicaid?"

This isn't too much to ask, is it?


Give State Rep. Gary Elkins some credit for being honest.

At a hearing [Thursday] of the House Committee on Human Services, Elkins and other members of the panel considered more than two dozen bills related to Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program.

Three hours into the hearing, Elkins asked: "What's Medicaid?"

The Houston Republican continued: "I know I hear it -- I really don't know what it is. I know that's a big shock to everybody here in the audience, OK."

He could have kept quiet. He could have asked an aide. He could have Googled it. Instead, he asked the question into the microphone in the middle of a public hearing.


Or he could have known what it was all along, like even before he first got elected. It's not exactly an obscure program, and it's not unreasonable to think a state representative might have a passing familiarity with it. Guess not. Heck of a job, Gary. Whoever runs against you next year is grateful for the assist.

Posted by Charles Kuffner on March 22, 2009 to Budget ballyhoo
Comments

How can any legislator seriously believe they are doing their job if they don't have at least a basic working knowledge of the major budget drivers? Even worse, he waits for THREE HOURS??!!! before mentioning that he has no clue what they are talking about?

I can't stand it. This guy does not deserve the seat he's kept warm for 14 years.

Posted by: hope on March 22, 2009 4:50 PM
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