Budget bill debate

The governor’s comprehensive health and human services budget bill, covering everything from licensing to nursing home reimbursement to health policy to appropriations, was held over by the House Health Policy and Finance Committee for possible inclusion in its omnibus bill.

More than 30 people testified concerning HF1422. Some people opposed the proposal to change MinnesotaCare eligibility, which could cause more than 22,000 people to lose health care coverage.

Rep. Fran Bradley (R-Rochester), committee chair and sponsor of the bill, encouraged committee members and testifiers to submit ideas for saving money while still providing quality care.

A companion bill (SF1313), sponsored by Sen. Brian LeClair (R-Woodbury), awaits action by the Senate Health and Family Security Committee.