Budget agreement bill passes House, heads to Senate
Posted on: 11/15/17
Today, HB 1019 passed the state House of Representatives by a vote of 56 - 38. The bill now goes to the Senate for consideration. This bill is the only option to temporarily resolve the state’s budget shortfall. Last week, the House was unable to pass the revenue raising bill to fill the $215 million deficit, forcing the health agencies to cut Medicaid provider rates.
According to House Health Budget Sub Committee Chair
Chad Caldwell (R-Enid), “Last week I reached out to the Oklahoma Health Care Authority seeking clarity on how they would handle an estimated $20 million cut as part of this budget agreement. In their response, they indicated that they could account for the reduction in appropriations solely through carryover and administrative efficiencies. Since their cut came in lower than expected, $15 million as opposed to $20 million, I am confident that provider rates will remain at their current rate for the remainder of the fiscal year (June 30) barring a revenue failure.”
For more information on HB 1019 and the debate in the House committee,
click here.
(Lynne White)