By KRWG News
New Mexico – Former Republican Gov. Gary Johnson says the federal government should shift responsibility for health care programs to states.
Johnson spoke Tuesday at a rally of tea party activists at the Capitol. He's considering a possible bid for the GOP presidential nomination in 2012.
Johnson said federal spending should be cut by more than 40 percent, including defense and health care programs such as Medicare. It provides health care coverage for those 65 and older.
Johnson said the federal government should give block grants of money to states and let them take responsibility for delivering health care to the elderly and poor.
Johnson, who was governor from 1995 to 2002, said the federal deficit is the greatest threat facing the nation.
Copyright 2011 The Associated Press.