The Senate’s budget proposes the same cut to Smart Start as the House budget did which is 20 percent. The Senate’s budget also cuts community services by $30 million which is more than the House had proposed.

The Senate proposes significant savings through the Community Care of North Carolina by reducing provider rates and eliminating or reducing the level or duration of optional Medicaid services.  Additionally, while the House had proposed to adjust provider rates by 2 percent; the Senate has proposed reducing provider rates by 3 percent. Information on reforming North Carolina’s Medicaid Program done by the John Locke Foundation can be found here.

Significant concern was raised about the Health & Wellness Trust Fund.  The Senate’s proposition differs greatly from the House’s proposal because it allows the Health & Wellness programs to continue for an additional year.  While the program will not receive any additional funding, per the Senate’s budget, activities would continue due to the current cash balance within the program.

Rep. Doug Berger asked at the end of the meeting where Planned Parenthood stood in the Senate’s budget. Staff responded by stating that no additional changes from the House budget were made with regard to Planned Parenthood.

Today’s meeting focused simply on discussing initial reactions to the Senate’s  proposal and the full Appropriations committee will meet tomorrow to discuss the Budget in more detail. Look for more on this issue from the John Locke Foundation as the week progresses.