By AP/KWMU
Jefferson City, MO – Governor Blunt has chosen a long-time employee as the new director of the state agency that oversees Medicaid, foster children and many other programs.
Blunt Wednesday named deputy director Deborah Scott to lead the Department of Social Services. She has worked in state government in various roles for 20 years.
Blunt says Scott's top priority will be helping to create a new Medicaid program. Legislators last year reduced or eliminated services for thousands of Missourians, and set the current Medicaid program to expire in 2008.
Democrats decried the cuts as hurting society's most vulnerable, but Republican leaders said the change was needed because costs were out of control.
Scott says she shares Blunt's vision for a revamped Medicaid system.
She replaces Gary Sherman, who retired this summer.