State Representative Urges Lawmakers To 'Refuse ObamaCare's $20M'

Ed Murray, News 9

OKLAHOMA CITY -- A state lawmaker called out newly elected Republicans over federal healthcare. He said they need to avoid hypocrisy and reject money the state has already received from the new reform law.

State Representative Ed Cannaday said $20 million from the healthcare reform law was sent in 2010 year to various agencies in Oklahoma. And he said the incoming administration needs to give it back and reject future funding.

Cannaday said Mary Fallin, Scott Pruitt, and John Doak can't bad mouth the federal government, but then take the money when they supported the state question to "opt out" of the federal healthcare law.

"I will be supporting the opt state question that's on the ballot this year because I believe President Obama's federal government takeover of our personal choice of our healthcare is dangerous for America," said Governor-elect Mary Fallin in October.

"We will engage. We will challenge ObamaCare and challenge it very soon," said Attorney General-elect Scott Pruitt in November.

Insurance Commissioner-elect John Doak sounded the same theme shortly after the election in an interview with the Oklahoman saying the first thing he plans to do is "repeal, replace, resist ObamaCare."

"That was the basis of the campaign. We do not want federal money because, with it, comes the strings attached," said State Representative Ed Cannaday.

Rep. Cannaday, a Democrat from Porum, said this is all about integrity.

"We have this role of on the one hand we'll make a position as a way of getting elected but then on the other hand, when it comes right down to it, you'll actually accept that money," said Rep. Cannaday.

News 9 attempted to contact the three executives Cannaday mentioned as well as House Speaker designate Kris Steele.

Mary Fallin's office has given the only response so far. Her representative is checking on the status of the money and if any of it has already been legally obligated. But due to complexity of the funding and the many agencies involved, it will likely be a few days before Fallin can comment on the situation.

Cannaday said he understands some will say at least part of that $20 million has already been spent and it can't be returned, but he said it can and pointed to an issue involving stimulus money that went to Oklahoma school districts.

The Office of State Finance is trying to account for $16 million in stimulus funding that went to Oklahoma school districts. It was part of $105 million in stimulus funds that Governor Brad Henry had at his disposal for the 2010 fiscal year. School districts must now show exactly when and how they spent that money on textbooks. If the state fails to comply, the money may have to be returned.