Ellington

JACKSON, Miss. (AP) — The Mississippi Legislative Black Caucus chairman says Medicaid expansion is one of the biggest issues lawmakers are failing to address this year.

Democratic Sen. Kenny Wayne Jones of Canton says he doesn't expect a last-minute push to add more people to the government health insurance program.

There's just over a month left in the three-month legislative session, and Jones says he thinks debating Medicaid expansion would take longer.

States have the option to add more people to the program under the health law President Barack Obama signed, with the federal government paying most of the tab. However, Republican Gov. Phil Bryant and Republican legislative leaders say they don't trust promises of federal funding.

Jones spoke Monday at a press forum sponsored by the Stennis Institute of Government.