State Senate Approves General Fund Budget

The Alabama Senate has approved a lean General Fund budget that could mean cuts to Medicaid services in the state.

Senators approved the$1.8 billion spending bill Thursday on a 24-10 vote, sending it to the Alabama House for consideration.

The Senate-passed budget does not provide additional money for Medicaid. Medicaid Commissioner Stephanie Azar says the agency needs an additional $100 million to maintain services and continue a transition to managed patient care.

Budget committee chairman Trip Pittman described the spending plan as a work-in-progress intended to spark conversation about a funding solution.

Senators rejected a proposal by Gov. Robert Bentley to shift education dollars to the general fund.

Sen. Rodger Smitherman, a Democrat from Birmingham, said he feared the Medicaid reductions could become reality.

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