Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SATURDAY, February 8, 1992 TAG: 9202080341
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: A-5 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: ROB EURE STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: RICHMOND LENGTH: Medium
WILDER PRESSES HEALTH TAX
Gov. Douglas Wilder admitted Friday that his proposed tax on the medical industry is "in deep trouble" in the legislature, but he showed no sign of compromising.As lobbyists for the health-care industry worked for legislative support for a compromise in lieu of the tax, the administration continued to press for votes for some sort of tax on hospitals, nursing homes and doctors to help offset rising Medicaid costs.
House Finance Committee Chairman Richard Cranwell, D-Vinton, said he told health-care lobbyists he would "look at" any concrete compromise, but still plans to push Wilder's tax or a slight variation.
"I think [the administration] will sweat it out right down to the end," said Sen. Stanley Walker, D-Norfolk, who is carrying Wilder's bill in the Senate.
Administration officials discounted the medical industry's proposal that the tax be dropped and that the state's estimate of Medicaid costs during the next two years be lowered. The industry said if actual costs bust the budget, it would provide the extra care for free. Although pushing the concept, the health-care industry has not come up with a specific plan.
But Wilder indicated Friday it may be too late for him to approve a compromise. "We went to the providers from the beginning," he said. "They said, `Raise everybody's taxes,' and we're not going to do that. What do you compromise with?"
Neither Walker nor Cranwell said he has the votes to get Wilder's tax plan through money committees in their respective Houses. Votes on the bills are due in both committees Wednesday.
"I'm kind of expecting some kind of compromise at the last minute," Walker said. Cranwell said he is hoping to get the tax to the House floor, forcing the industry into a more compromising mood.
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