Posted 9/17/2023, 1:27:00 AM

NC Republicans Link Medicaid Expansion to Casinos in Budget Proposal, Drawing Criticism from Gov. Cooper

NC Republicans tie Medicaid expansion to passing budget and legalizing casinos in new proposal, drawing rebuke from Gov. Cooper
Budget negotiations stalled over casinos and Medicaid, now potentially broken into separate bills that could force votes
Proposal would allow casinos in 3 counties plus a Lumbee tribal casino, with 22.5% tax on gaming revenue
Cooper criticizes proposal as "brutally dishonest," says Republicans have other motives than helping people
Republicans passed Medicaid expansion this year but tied it to the budget, meaning it dies if no budget passes

wral.com

Relevant topic timeline:

9/7/2023

Top NC Republican: Budget or bust for gambling expansion

Senate Republican Leader Phil Berger has stated that a plan to expand gambling in North Carolina can only become law if it is included in the state budget, which also includes proposals for new commercial casinos and video lottery terminals.

9/7/2023

Not enough GOP votes for expanded gaming in budget, NC House Speaker says

The North Carolina state budget, which includes plans for a gambling expansion, may not pass due to insufficient Republican support, potentially jeopardizing the inclusion of other budget priorities such as raises for state employees and Medicaid expansion.

9/13/2023

N.C. budget negotiations continue as gambling expansion remains sticking point

Republican lawmakers in the General Assembly of North Carolina are negotiating a state budget plan that was derailed by a controversial proposal to expand legalized gambling, which has caused delays in the budget approval and heated discussions between the House and Senate's Republican leadership.