TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – A slick new ad in the battle over health care expansion portrays Florida hospitals as greedy and responsible for an increasing national debt.
The ad was produced by a political committee called Florida Roundtable, which is tied to powerful Florida state Rep. Richard Corcoran, of Pasco County. Health care advocates call the spot inaccurate.
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The mostly red, white and blue ad says the current costs of the current medicaid program are growing rapidly, "leaving less money for education."
But that's not what Gov. Rick Scott told reporter Mike Vasilinda recently.
"So now, we have a program that we can afford as taxpayers, two, we have recipients now who are responsible for their care, so it's exciting what we've done," Scott said.
The ad goes on to bash hospital profits, saying, "Growing profits paid for by growing debt."
Damien Filer, of Progress Florida, calls the ad misleading.
"Well, it's not at all accurate for starters, but more importantly the people of Florida are tired of the constant bickering and infighting," Filer said.
Vasilinda contacted the Florida Hospital Association because they are being portrayed as the villains, but he hasn't heard back.
The ad also said kids who need coverage already get it and only deadbeats "who do not work" will benefit from expanded health care.
Karen Woodall, of the Florida Center for Fiscal and Economic Policy, has fought for expanded health care since at least 2011.
"So it's just totally misinformation," Woodall said.
Vasilinda also reached out to Corcoran, a powerful state legislator who is behind that spot. Corcoran did text back, but only to say he wasn't at the Capitol.
Vasilinda also contacted the Senate president, who wants more health care. He hadn't seen the ad nor did he want to.
"Here's the question, if they're already out there attacking you, how can you ever reach a compromise?" asked Andy Gardiner.
That's a question that will remain unanswered until at least Monday, when lawmakers return to the Capitol.
Lawmakers begin a 20-day special session Monday to pass a state budget. Discussions also include the expansion of health care, which have so far gone nowhere and blocked any negotiation on the budget.