TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Catholic bishops in Kansas want lawmakers to expand Medicaid they say would provide health coverage for 130,000 low-income residents who don't have insurance. The Wichita Eagle reports bishops released a statement Thursday in support of a Medicaid expansion. The bishops listed several reservations about the expansion, including that it would include money for contraception and the program needs fiscal reforms. Despite the concerns, the bishops say the expansion would bring important aid to the state's most vulnerable citizens. Democratic Senator Laura Kelly said it was unlikely the bishops' endorsement would sway opponents, while Republican Representative Scott Schwab said the bishops are entitled to their endorsement even though he believes Kansas cannot afford the long-term costs. Senator Jeff Longbine, also a Republican, said that even though he is not Catholic, he welcomes the endorsement.
