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House passes bill to cut medicaid

The House passed the bill to slash medicaid spending after Democrats made passsioned pleas against the cuts. Meghan Kloth has more from Jefferson City.

The bill tosses an estimated one-hundred thousand people off medicaid and officially ends the assistance program in 2008.

During debate, Democrats, including Rick Johnson from Jefferson County, accused Governor Matt Blunt of reniging on promises he made in the fall.

"It's a broken campaign promise. This governor said he would not do that and he's doing it. Simple as that."

Republicans maintained the cuts are necessary to balance the budget.

The bill now moves to the governor's desk for signing.

From the state capitol, I'm Meghan Kloth.

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The House sets an expiration date for medicaid. Meghan Kloth has more from Jefferson City.

After hours of debate, the House passed a bill that cuts an estimated 100,00 Missourians off Medicaid and officially ends the program in 2008.

Missourians will also see reduced benefits if they are senior citizens or foster parents.

Democrats such as Craig Bland argued against the cuts during debate.

"This brings tears to my eyes and makes my heart really heavy, to even contemplate the thought of these things been taken away from my people."

Republicans said the cuts are necessary to balance the budget and provide enough funding for education.

The last step is Governor Matt Blunt's desk for a signature.

From the state capitol, I'm Meghan Kloth