Need a New Medical School?

... just be a holdout on the vote to approve the House health care bill:

In a statement, Costa said he succesfully negotiated funding for a UC Merced medical school.

"I am voting for HR 3962 because the choice of doing nothing was not an option. During my negotiations to help improve the bill for our Valley, I was able to achieve funding for a medical school in the Valley, with studies at UC Merced and residency in Fresno, as well as additional incentives to bring health professionals to our Valley. Increased funding in this bill for programs ranging from nurse training to health career opportunity programs to community health centers and increased reimbursement rates for low-paying Medicaid will go a long way in strengthening our health system in the Valley," Costa said.

The bill, HR 3962, passed the House of Representatives with a vote of 220-215.

Cardoza said the bill directs $167 million in health care funding to hospitals in his 18th district alone. The district includes parts of Fresno and Madera counties. But Cardoza said he still has concerns about the cost of the bill.

I love the last sentence: "... and he still has concerns about the cost of the bill."

Yeah, right. And if you believe that, I've got some oceanfront property in Arizona I'd like to sell you...

-Wes