The Vermont House has given final approval to more than $30 million in adjustments to state spending. There were a couple of technical amendments to the budget adjustment bill this morning before final approval.
The annual adjustment this year focuses primarily on human services programs, particularly the Medicaid-subsidized health insurance program. The House agreed to pump $23 million from the current general fund surplus into propping up Medicaid. Decisions on broader reforms to Medicaid to avoid a $70 million shortfall next year will be made when the House writes the 2006 budget.
The budget adjustment bill now goes to the Senate.