Minn. House to vote on more health and welfare cuts

The House is expected to take up more cuts to health and welfare programs on Tuesday to help balance the state budget.

The proposal from Democratic Rep. Tom Huntley of Duluth would slash $164 million through mid-2011 from programs ranging from mental health services to aid for disabled people.

The cuts are about $50 million deeper than those proposed by Senate Democrats.

Both bills envision Minnesota participating in an early expansion of the federal-state Medical Assistance program under the new health care overhaul, but Republican Gov. Tim Pawlenty has raised concerns about the cost to the state.

The health and welfare bill is Part Two of the Legislature's three-part strategy to erase a nearly $1 billion deficit.

(Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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