Omnibus provisions

Lawmakers wrestled with their differences for almost five hours before passing the omnibus health and human services finance bill 83-46.

As amended, HF1681 would cut $63.8 million from the general fund for health and human services spending for 2004-05 and transfer $71 million from the Health Care Access Fund to the general fund for 2004-05.

“This bill addresses smart portfolio management and builds toward a better future,” said Rep. Fran Bradley (R-Rochester), the sponsor of the bill.

Bradley lauded Minnesotans for their compassion toward people in need, saying the difference between the DFL and Republican sides of the House was not one of compassion but one of strategy.

Rep. Thomas Huntley (DFL-Duluth) lamented the “raid” last year on the Health Care Access Fund. He offered an amendment that would repeal last year’s action but withdrew it.

The bill now goes to the Senate.