MDN.ORG:
Missouri Digital News
MDN.ORG
Mo. Digital News
Missouri Digital News
MDN.ORG:
Mo. Digital News
MDN.ORG:
Missouri Digital News
MDN.ORG:
Missouri Digital News
MDN.ORG
Mo. Digital News
Missouri Digital News
MDN.ORG:
Mo. Digital News
MDN.ORG:
Missouri Digital News
Bill handler Doug Ervin said that when the bill lost transparency language relating to the cost and quality of medical services the House had sold out to the Missouri Hospital Association.
But Senator Tom Dempsey said that Ervin is more concerned about transparency than insuring Missourians.
| Actuality: DEMPSEY.WAV |
| Run Time: 00:14 |
| Description: "When an unrelated subject, the transparency part, was amended, they were no longer supportive of a bill that provided coverage for the uninsurable. So really what is their primary concern?" |
The Hospital Association said that if they had so much influence, they would have been able to get a similar bill passed last year.
From Jefferson City, I'm Rebecca Beitsch, Newsradio 1120 KMOX.
The bill would give health coverage to 20,000 Missourians, but the amendment would allow for drug testing for recipients of the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program.
But several House Democrats said the amendment was unconstitutional.
St. Louis Democrat Don Calloway said that the drug testing did fit a legitimate state interest but was not narrowly tailored enough to pass constitutional muster.
| Actuality: CALLOWAY.WAV |
| Run Time: 00:16 |
| Description: "A specific group of people, in this case families and individuals who receive Temporary Aid to Needy Families, are are improperly, impermissibly, and illegally singled out. How do I know that they are singled out? Because we're not including drug testing provisions for people who receive state salaries. |
The Senate sponsor of the bill said attaching this provision to the bill could make it hard to pass in the last week of session
From the state Capitol, I'm Rebecca Beitsch, Newsradio 1120 KMOX.