It was a tough end to the year for Ohio Gov. Ted Strickland. With Medicaid spending increasing faster than anticipated, the state was facing an unanticipated $207 million more in spending on this program. In response, the state delayed implementing a Medicaid dental benefit and an increase in reimbursement rates for providers.

At the same time, however, the governor is attacking the Bush Administration for its decision to reject Ohio's plan to expand Medicaid to cover children in families up to 300% of the federal poverty level. Since the state doesn't have enough money to pay for its current Medicaid program, it seems unwise to make the program even more expensive. Governor Strickland doesn't seem to understand this, though.