A 3 minute update on the Senate's passage of the Health & Human Services Omnibus bill, with "deep cuts health, welfare programs": From Senator Hann, Chair of the Senate Health and Human Services Committee: "The Minnesota Senate passed the Health and Human Services Omnibus Budget Bill today following a rigorous floor debate. The Senate Republicans' [...]
It is a contentious week at the Capitol in the high-stakes budget debate. Health care is the main focus of the Health and Human Service discussions, since it comprises the majority of spending in that portion of our state's budget. Child Welfare elements of the bills appear to have moved through unchanged*. So that you [...]
Below are a few Child Welfare snippets of the HF927 Omnibus Budget Bill, which is being heard this week in the House Health and Human Service Finance Committee. The omnibus bill is enormous (2011_HF927DeleteAll.pdf). House Research did a bill summary that highlights a few areas - a little easier to digest than 350 pages (review [...]
This week is crunch time for budget decisions at the Capitol. As we learn of hearing schedules and budget decisions for the House and Senate, we'll keep this blog up-to-date. The House Health & Human Service Finance Committee HF927 Omnibus bill text and spread sheet are available to the public now on their website. More [...]
This week was interesting, but next week is sure to be busier! Why? There is a March 25th deadline for budget decisions, which will bring a flurry of activity next week. Child Welfare matters will arise in the House Health and Human Services Finance Committee, where the GOP budget bill will be unveiled on Tuesday, [...]
As expected in a budget year, debates about spending continue to dominate this legislative session. So you think you can fix the Minnesota deficit? Give the budget your best shot with this online trial from MinnPost. Can you balance it? If you're reading this blog, chances are good that you have some opinions about the [...]
Among many advocates who provided public testimony in the House Health and Human Services Finance Committee, two individuals spoke specifically about Child Welfare elements of the budget. This testimony took place on Wednesday, February 23, 2011. You can listen to the audio or view the video recordings at this link. The advocates who spoke about [...]
This week, Governor Dayton released his budget proposal. Keep in mind that the legislature and the Governor are taking opposing approaches to resolving this budget deficit. So don't get too attached to the details within this budget, as it's very likely to change through the legislative process. That said, this link will take you to [...]