ATLANTA—Gov. Nathan Deal (R-Ga.) spoke to thousands of disability advocates at the state capitol on Feb. 21 for Disability Day.
Deal won applause when he praised Kennesaw State University (KSU) for a program that includes people with developmental disabilities in university courses.
“They are allowing students with disabilities to participate in classes and in educational opportunities along with students who do not have disabilities,” said Deal, adding that he wants the university system to replicate those opportunities throughout the state.
“Those with disabilities have great abilities,” Deal said.
He made no comment, however, on his refusal to accept federal funds to expand Medicaid in 2014.
Gov. Rick Scott (R-Fla.) and Gov. Chris Christie (R-N.J.) have relented, but so far, Deal has not.
A provision of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (H.R. 3590) offers full federal funding to states to offer Medicaid health insurance to more people, including children and people with disabilities. Over time, the federal support would be reduced to 90 percent. Governors who have refused the funds say their states cannot afford the future 10 percent.
Many in the crowd wore T-shirts or carried signs that read, “My Medicaid Matters.” After the governor spoke, an advocate using a wheelchair led the crowd in chanting the phrase.
Deal supports people with disabilities, according to Eric Jacobsen, executive director of the Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities.
