It doesn’t surprise me that much of the fiscal wrangling between the governor and the Legislature in these final days of the session is centered on the health and human services bill. The HHS bill, which funds nursing homes, public health care programs, and a host of other services, is a frequent source of contention in these budget battles. The governor has already vetoed the first version of the HHS bill sent to his desk and is threatening to veto the next one. The DFL-controlled Legislature is attempting to undo many of the 2003 health care cuts, as well as provide funding for some much-needed mental health service improvements. I don’t think we’ll see a special session this year, but the legislature might simply throw its collective hands up in the air and send the governor a bare-bones bill with no new funding. That would be a shame and here’s hoping that our elected leaders can demonstrate an ability to compromise for the public good.
