House panel OK's $18.25 billion budget

ATLANTA - A House panel has approved an $18.25 billion state budget that restores funding for some low-income Medicaid recipients and boosts health insurance costs for state employees.

The House Appropriations Committee voted 59-1 on Thursday to OK the spending plan for the fiscal year that begins July 1.

The state is facing the loss of some $1 billion in federal stimulus money, and committee chairman Terry England said the budget contains some tough cuts.

A $250 million hole in the state health benefit plan is translating into a 20 percent jump in insurance premiums for state employees, teachers and retirees.

But budget writers restored more than $8 million for vision, dental and podiatry care for low-income Medicaid recipients.

The budget now heads to a vote by the full House.

http://accesswdun.com/article/2011/3/236923