By NICK GOSNELL
Hutch Post
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Kansas House District 114 candidate Republican Mike Murphy isn't surprised to be asked about Medicaid expansion, but that's not what he's focused on.
"It's interesting that this comes up on radio interviews and on debates," Murphy said. "It never comes up out with people. I'm not in favor of it at all."
Murphy doesn't see how a billion dollar program that helps so few Kansans is cost-effective. Though proponents say 130,000 Kansans would use the coverage, Murphy says more than half of those could be covered now if they chose it.
"So, you're looking at spending about a billion dollars to help 55,000 people," Murphy said. "While that's admirable to help people, I think there are better, more efficient ways to do it."
Murphy is much more concerned about governnment gaining too much control over Kansans lives.
"Our Constitution was built on the idea that we help each other," Murphy said. "We don't wait for government to do it for us. We come in here, we figure out ways here in Reno County and in Kansas to figure out things and help people that need to be helped."
Murphy is running against Democrat Jeff Stroberg in November.