Minn. Senate passes bill to substantially cut health programs

By Calvin Swanson:

The Minnesota Senate passed a bill Wednesday that will cut spending on health programs, which could save the state $1.6 million over the next two years.

The bill passed 37-26 in the Senate, according to a Minneapolis Star Tribune article. The bill is heavily favored by Senate Republicans and is part of their solution to reduce the state's $5 billion deficit.

If passed, the bill could hurt smaller programs such as Meals on Wheels, according to the St. Paul Pioneer Press. The bill would also prohibit state financing on the federal health care overhaul, according to the Star Tribune.

Republicans have created the bill in order to prevent raising taxes in Minnesota, while Democratic Gov. Mark Dayton insists on less cuts and raising taxes.

The St. Paul Pioneer Press also reported the Senate has passed another cost-cutting bill Wednesday that will ultimately freeze government work pay, deeply affect employee health insurance and cut budgets for Minnesota agencies.

The Star Tribune did not report on the second bill.