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June 18, 2008

House to vote on budget today -- and it could be messy

PROVIDENCE -- The state House of Representatives will convene today at 2 p.m. to approve a state budget for the fiscal year that begins July 1.

The budget -- which consists of at least 39 separate "articles" -- is aimed at closing a $425 million deficit.

The massive budget bill includes proposals to transform the state's Medicaid system for the elderly, poor and disabled. Community service organizations like Meals of Wheels and Crossroads stand to lose hundreds of thousands of dollars. And a new tax on health insurers may lead to higher health care costs for residents.

The budget debate on the House floor is expected to be messy. Around 70 "amendments" have been drafted by lawmakers wishing to change specific parts of the budget proposal or create new sections. The amendments have not been released publicly.

The budget debate typically spans long into the night and often into the early-morning hours.

The Journal will be on hand for the entire debate. Check projo.com later today for updates.

The Senate -- which has already negotiated key provisions in the budget with House leadership -- is scheduled to vote on the tax-and-spend plan Friday.

That's the same day that the Assembly is tentatively set to recess for the summer.

Keep track of the House and Senate calendars via the General Assembly's Web site.

Read the budget bill that was passed by the House Finance Committee on June 11 and sent to the full House.

-- Steve Peoples, Journal State House Bureau

Posted by Steve Peoples  at 12:04 PM | Permalink

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