By AP/KWMU
Jefferson City, MO – A Missouri Senate committee could vote on the state budget this week. Committee members Tuesday agreed informally to keep Medicaid spending closer to what Governor Bob Holden has recommended.
That would mean cuts to the Medicaid program that were made in the House appear unlikely to survive.
The House voted to make it harder for thousands of Missourians to qualify for Medicaid and to cut some services. Their idea was to cut Medicaid to free up $13 million more for schools.
That increase is likely to be deleted by the Senate budget writers.
The committee is expected to vote later this week on the 12 pieces of legislation that make up the state's budget. Committee approval would send the spending plan to the full Senate.