Two Democratic party sources have confirmed that Democrats are considering a new strategy when it comes to FMAP: wait it out.
FMAP is shorthand for the federal Medicaid money—$480 million worth—that the state budget (as passed by the Democrats and signed by the governor this year)—is still counting on, even after several votes in D.C. have made that look less likely to come through. If the money isn’t forthcoming, the governor might have to call a special session—something that would put local Democratic incumbent candidates, already in campaign hell over this year’s budget, in an embarrassing situation.
The “November strategy” (as we’re calling it) is simple. Local Democrats believe Democrats at the federal level will pass FMAP (which is part of a larger bill that authorizes a set of local money) after the November elections, in a lame-duck session when no one has to worry about the political ramifications of “earmarking.”
Is Gregoire, rather than calling a special session to deal with the potential shortfall, waiting until November? Gregoire spokesman Viet Shelton said simply, “the governor is focused on working with our delegation to get a bill passed through the senate that includes FMAP.” The governor’s office declined to give a time line, though, failing to indicate how long they’d be willing to wait to re-address the budget before FMAP funding is passed. “Again, we’re focused on supporting our delegation,” Shelton said. “But, worst case scenario, if congress can’t get it figured out, we could deal with it in the 2011 legislative session.”
Senator Murray’s office expressed similar (if less optimistic) sentiments: “The senate is continuing to work on the FMAP package. They are still in negotiations. It’s unclear whether the FMAP package will be in the final bill, or the size of it, if it is included.”
