http://ozarkspub.vo.llnwd.net/o37/KSMU/audio/mp3/mccaskill-quotcommon-sense-has-taken-vacation-jefferson-cityquot_80088.mp3
The Democratic Senator from Missouri has been a supporter of the Affordable Care Act, but the state’s Republican-controlled legislature has repeatedly expressed its displeasure with the new federal health law, and to this point has been reluctant to expand Medicaid in Missouri. McCaskill said that common sense has taken a vacation in Jefferson City when it comes to healthcare.
"So, it is very frustrating to me to understand. Honestly, I think if we could rename it the "I hate Obamacare Medicaid expansion", we could probably get it passed…Nobody in Washington is telling Missouri how they have to do it, they are just saying you have to provide some basic medical care to people who can't afford it," Said McCaskill.
McCaskill also urged the General Assembly to start spending more on Missouri roads and bridges. She mentioned Missouri is ranked close to the top in the country for the amount of deficient bridges, and ranked close to the bottom in how much we spend on infrastructure.
The Senator also reiterated her support for the controversial Keystone XL pipeline, while calling the legalization of marijuana in Colorado an experiment, saying more time is needed to assess the impact. Additionally, she offered her support of sanctions on Russia for seizing control of Crimea.
"We will succeed in putting pressure on Putin as long as we stay joined at the hip with our NATO allies," said McCaskill.
The "McCaskill on Main Street" tour concluded today in Kansas City. She plans to meet with Missouri’s Republican Senator Roy Blunt in St. Joseph Thursday for a round table discussion at Rosecrans Air National Guard Base before heading back to Washington.
For KSMU News, I'm Shannon Bowers.