House Passes Budget that Cuts MinnesotaCare

Lawmakers Cut $1 Billion from Health Care Spending

House Republicans have passed a health care budget that cuts an insurance program for tens of thousands of low-income Minnesotans.

Lawmakers debated a bill that cuts $1 billion from health care spending for more than seven hours.

The bill passed early Wednesday morning 72-60, with all Democrats voting against it.

It’s one of several cuts Republicans have lined up as they seek to offer $2 billion in tax relief.

Rep. Matt Dean is a Republican who put together the budget.

He says the state needs to get its health care costs under control.

Democrats say cutting MinnesotaCare is cruel when the state has a budget surplus.