Friday, April 29, 2005

Congress Passes Budget That Cuts Medicaid Las Vegas Sun story - "A $2.6 trillion budget outline barely approved by Congress will cut projected spending on Medicaid for the poor, lock in tax cuts and - Republicans claim - put the country on a path toward lower federal deficits. Democrats unanimously opposed the spending outline passed late Thursday. They said the budget reflects the president's misplaced priorities by freezing or trimming health, education and agriculture programs while cutting taxes by as much as $106 billion over five years. The vote was 214-211 in the House and 52-47 in the Senate. The budget resolution is nonbinding, but it sets critical guidelines for lawmakers as they make decisions on taxes and specific spending programs for the 2006 fiscal year that begins October 1."  
  

Mental-health agenda wins significant gains (Washington) Seattle Times story - "Advocates began spring worried budgets for state mental-health programs would be slashed by $82 million due to federal Medicaid cuts, but this week they are celebrating big gains. Not only were the cuts replaced during the state legislative session that ended Sunday, but $18 million in new money was granted to bolster addiction treatment. Mental-health advocates also won long-sought 'parity' for insurance coverage. It adds up to what some describe as the most significant legislative session for mental health in more than a decade..."