LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — A Nebraska lawmaker has started an online petition to build support for a Medicaid expansion proposal that has stalled in the Legislature.

State Sen. Jeremy Nordquist unveiled a new website on Monday as lawmakers prepare for another debate on the bill next year. Nordquist says the website was intended to engage the public while sending a message to elected officials who have blocked the legislation.

The expansion measure would help cover about 50,000 low-income adults and save an estimated 500 lives a year.

Nordquist, a Democrat, also called on Republican Gov. Dave Heineman to forfeit his state-funded health insurance until all Nebraskans get coverage. Earlier this year, he introduced a bill that would prohibit elected state officials from getting taxpayer-subsidized coverage.

A Heineman spokeswoman declined to comment.