Montana News

Bullock discusses budget and Medicaid expansion

Posted: Mar 10, 2013 4:13 PM by Marnee Banks - MTN News

HELENA - Governor Steve Bullock answered questions about the state's budget on Friday, saying he is disappointed with a few cuts that have already taken place.

He is particularly concerned that Republicans voted to leave out a handful of items from the Montana University System's (MUS) budget.

"The thought that a student going to Tech has to reapply and pay a reapplication fee if they want to take classes at the University of Montana makes no sense," Bullock said.

He criticized the decision not to fund the universal enrollment program. This proposal would cost $5 million and would develop one application system for admission to all MUS campuses.

Bullock also had proposed to give $2 million to the MUS to create the Veteran's Success program. At this point, that money is not in the budget.

"The thought that we wouldn't provide funding to make sure that our veterans have dedicated services in our university system doesn't make sense," Bullock added.

Bullock also says he would like to see the Title X Family Planning money put back into the budget before it gets to his desk.

"I think addressing the healthcare needs of women, low-income women across the state is very important," Bullock added.

Bullock also said his proposal to expand Medicaid to 70,000 more Montanans will officially get a bill number next week. After that it can be scheduled for a hearing.