Guinn returns from governors’ meeting in D.C.

Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2003 | 9:43 a.m.

CARSON CITY -- After taking a quick trip to Washington, Gov. Kenny Guinn said he still is not sure how President Bush's education and Medicaid plans will play out in Nevada.

There are still too many questions and not enough details involving the federal No Child Left Behind act and the proposed changes in Medicaid, Guinn said.

Guinn returned Tuesday from the National Governors Conference in Washington. He said Bush assured the governors that money will be available for the testing of students required by the new federal education law.

Sen. Harry Reid, D-Nev., has been critical of the act. He said the state will end up paying for some of the mandates in the act. Sen. John Ensign, R-Nev., like Bush, said the act will provide all of the necessary funding.

Guinn said he believes federal money will take care of the testing required by the act, but is concerned about the next step. If it is determined that some schools are failing, the state could have to pay for projects designed to rectify the situation, Guinn said.

"It will take more money and we will have to have special teachers," Guinn said. "That's one of the concerns. We still don't have all the details."

The Bush administration is also proposing an optional plan for Medicaid to help ease financial burdens facing states because of the growing numbers of needy people who qualify for the medical care program.

Guinn said the new plan could help Nevada immediately, but again, he was concerned about the long-term effects of the program on the state. Opting into the new program now could cost Nevada several years down the road, he said.

"We've got to weigh that issue and whether to take a chance," Guinn said.

The Bush administration plan has not been approved by Congress, and it could be changed or even scrapped.

Guinn said he is not concerned about the situation regarding federal funding for homeland security issues.

"We got $10.7 million and we will be getting additional money," Guinn said.