Why do conservatives oppose aid to help the poor?

To The Editor:
 
A blog from the conservative Oklahoma Council of Public Affairs. December 23rd, asserts that Medicaid expansion under the Affordable Care Act (“Obamacare”) would harm Oklahoma’s economy. It’s hard to see how.
The federal government would pay 100% of the cost of Medicaid expansion the first three years, with the federal share declining to 90% after that. The blog states that 261,000 Oklahomans could gain health care coverage under Medicaid expansion. If true, they would receive health coverage with Oklahoma paying only 10% of the cost. 
Because Governor Fallin has refused to accept Medicaid expansion, Oklahoma taxpayers pay in to the system, but receive nothing in return. Only states that accept Medicaid expansion receive federal support to cover it, although everyone’s taxes support the Medicaid pool. 
Depending on enrollment, Oklahoma would receive between $500 and $800 million per year, extending Medicaid coverage to qualifying veterans, the working poor, the unemployed and very poor, improving lives and saving lives.
Oklahoma’s economy would collapse without the $24 billion received every year from the federal government that supports our five military bases, new interstate highway construction, and many other jobs and projects. Why would Christian elected officials refuse federal aid for programs helping the vulnerable, needy and impoverished?
Sincerely, Nathaniel Batchelder, The Peace House, Oklahoma City

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