Schwarzenegger, lawmakers renew push for federal money, say California has been shortchanged

Schwarzenegger, lawmakers: Calif. was shortchanged

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and California state lawmakers from both parties say the federal government has been shortchanging California and are pressing for nearly $1 billion.

The governor and four legislative leaders sent a letter Friday to congressional leaders asking for $700 million more in federal health care funding. The letter urged Congress to pass bills that would repay states for past Medicare costs.

They also sent a letter to the U.S. Health and Human Services secretary seeking a formula change that could bring the state $250 million more from Medicare.

California leaders have been lobbying for more federal money to help fill the state’s budget gap, saying they are just asking for the state’s fair share.