HELENA — The state’s two-year $12 billion budget took another major step forward Tuesday as lawmakers from the House and Senate met to iron out differences between each of their versions.
Lawmakers also had a last chance to offer changes.
One successful amendment Republican lawmakers supported recommends the state cut continuous Medicaid eligibility, which allows people using the government-funded health insurance program to be eligible for a full year. Rep. Llew Jones, R-Conrad, explained the goal was to keep seasonal workers off of the program.
“It’s not about the intent to not provide healthcare to those who need healthcare. The intent is, indeed, to recognize those folks,” Jones said.
Lawmakers also added funding for a commission to review Medicaid reimbursements for abortion services. Sen. Janet Ellis, D-Helena, said she couldn’t support it.
“It seems totally inappropriate to set up a commission, with no guidance, to second guess a physician,” Ellis said.
Both amendments passed on party-line votes.
Another amendment Republican lawmakers moved forward adds funding for a legislative investigation of the courts, after allegations of judicial bias in response to a lawsuit against a law changing how the governor fills court vacancies.
Lawmakers are scheduled to meet again Wednesday to finalize the bill and send it to the full House and Senate.
James Bradley is a reporter with the UM Legislative News Service, a partnership of the University of Montana School of Journalism, the Montana Broadcasters Association, the Montana Newspaper Association and the Greater Montana Foundation.
