Judge Denies Scott's Request For Mediation With Feds
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TALLAHASSEE (CBSMiami/AP) — A federal judge denied Florida Governor Rick Scott's request for mediation with Obama administration officials over hospital funding.
Scott is suing the administration, alleging they are withholding federal hospital funds because Florida won't expand Medicaid. He asked a judge this week to compel mediation, but the Obama administration says they've been engaged in ongoing and productive discussions and that mediation may delay a final decision.
The administration has already given Scott a tentative decision to extend the funds for two more years at a much lower price. Scott's office says they want a final agreement so they can finalize the state budget by June 30th to avoid a government shutdown.
Scott said in a statement Wednesday he was disappointed with the ruling and with the administration for delaying a decision.
Florida has known for over a year that the funds were ending and waited until the last minute to submit its proposal.
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