Joe Anne Hart

"We oppose any shift from the state," said FAC government liaison Anne Hart.

State Rep.J.D.Alexander, R-Lake Wales, is following the Republican Party line, however, and defended the proposal."This is the first increase in the counties' portion of Medicaid in 30 years," said Alexander.The county's share has remained constant, however, because it was envisioned to stay that way, with the state bearing its share of the cost."The state's portion is $800 million and we [legislators] will have to pick up another $100 million in payments this year that the federal government used to do."

Ah, there's insight in that comment: The Legislature is just using a cost-shifting gimmick employed by Congress to keep its members from having to pay taxes.

"We oppose any shift from the state," said Joe Anne Hart, a government liaison with the FAC.

Any cost shift would require money Polk County can't easily afford, local officials say.

Joe Anne Hart

Hart, Joe Anne - Governmental Liaison, Health & Human Services

"We're not against changing the Baker Act laws, but let's make sure the infrastructure is in place before we do all these changes," said Joe Anne Hart, spokeswoman for the Florida Association of Counties.