April 28, 2015
SAINT PAUL, MN – Tonight, the Minnesota House is debating the Omnibus Health and Human Services Bill, which will cut state health funding by $1.152 billion. The bill eliminates MinnesotaCare, which will cause 100,000 working Minnesotans to lose their health insurance. MinnesotaCare provides health insurance for low-income Minnesotans who earn just enough not to qualify for Medical Assistance (MA). The 25 counties with the highest concentration of residents who qualify for MinnesotaCare are all in Greater Minnesota.
“I’m disappointed that Republicans are prioritizing tax cuts for wealthy people over health insurance access for 100,000 working Minnesotans,” said Rep. John Persell (DFL—Bemidji). “If the majority would like to help Greater Minnesota, they would shore up the MinnesotaCare program so its always there for the farmers and small business owners and other hard working folks who sometimes need help getting access to healthcare.”
The bill also defunds the Statewide Health Insurance Program (SHIP), and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) nurse home visiting services.
“These cuts will result in poorer healthcare and economic harm for the families in our district,” said Rep. Persell. “We’re missing the golden opportunity to use this surplus to invest in our future, and House Republicans just don’t get it. With a $2 billion surplus, they give caregivers a 5% increase for only 1 year in this budget.”
Rep. Persell encourages community members to contact him on any legislative issue. He can be reached by email at rep.john.persell@house.mn or phone at 651-296-5516.
###