Alabama House Approves Large Cuts to Medicaid

The Alabama House has approved a large funding cut to Medicaid as lawmakers try to fix a budget shortfall.

Legislators approved the reduction on a second try Wednesday. The first vote failed.

House Ways And Means General Fund Committee Chairman Steve Clouse proposed the controversial budget as House leaders try to wrangle votes for a budget solution.

Clouse says he understands the importance of funding Medicaid but needs help to do it. A cigarette tax failed in committee Tuesday.

Rep. Pebblin Warren says the reductions could be life-threatening for Alabamians on Medicaid.

House members voted 46-44 for the budget amendment to give Medicaid a $156 million reduction.  The budget now moves to the Alabama Senate.

Lawmakers have been unable to agree how to fill a shortfall in the general fund.

 

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