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Despite cuts to Medicaid, no cut to Legislators' health insurance

Some may put off balancing their check book until the last minute, but the House of Representatives is already working on Missouri's 2006 budget. They voted NOT to cut their health insurance.

Sharon Delgaudio has more from the state capitol.

Democrat Rep. Trent Skaggs of Kansas City introduced the amendment to the state budget as a way for legislators to share the burden of Gov. Blunt's extensive Medicaid cuts.

Republican Rep. Jim Lembke objected to the bill.

"We are doing the business of the people and we should be fairly and justly compensated for that work.

And some could argue the investment of time away from our families, away from our businesses to come down here and do the people's work for 31 thousand dollars a year is a sacrifice.

And to ask this body to take a further sacrifice is unreasonable."

House members killed the amendment in a 75-to-78 vote.

Had it passed, the budget for state sponsored health insurance would have decreased by 20 percent.

From the state capitol, I'm Sharon Delgaudio