Maine gov wants Medicaid answers

AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) — Gov. Paul LePage says the federal government is dragging its feet on deciding whether to allow Medicaid cuts affecting 33,000 Mainers.

In his weekly radio address Saturday, the governor appeals to Mainers to call their representatives in Washington and demand that the federal government hurry up and decide whether to allow the cuts, which he says are needed to balance the state budget.

LePage says the cuts, amounting to $20 million, are needed to make sure programs to protect the state's most vulnerable are adequately funded.

In the Democratic response, state Rep. Emily Cain of Orono, the House minority leader, says it's time to set aside politics and to vote in Tuesday's election. Cain also says Mainers can help those hurt by Hurricane Sandy by donating to the Red Cross.