/ Modified apr 19, 2013 7:31 p.m.

AZ Illustrated Politics Episode, April 19, 2013

Medicaid, state budget, election reform measures

PLAY THE VIDEO above to see host Jim Nintzel and his guests discuss the week's political developments. State Reps. Ethan Orr, R-Tucson, and Victoria Steele, D-Tucson, and Arizona Capitol Times state House correspondent Hank Stephenson.

MEDICAID EXPANSION: Orr said Gov. Jan Brewer's proposal to expand Medicaid to 133 percent of the federal poverty level was likely to get enough Republican votes to pass. Steele said that it the proposal would be a boon to hospitals and the Arizona economy.

ELECTION REFORM: Orr said he hadn't yet decided whether to support a pair of bills that would change the vote-by-mail system, which is expected to come to a vote in the House next week. Supporters say changes need to be made to fix the early-voting system, while opponents - including Steele - say the changes would disenfranchise voters.

MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID: Both lawmakers discussed a bill they co-sponsored to provide funding for training people about the best way to recognize and deal with people with mental illnesses. Orr expressed hope that funding might be found for the program in the budget process.

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