In fiscal year 2006 the state had a budget shortfall. Republican Allen Icet, from St. Louis County is the new House Budget Chairman. He says fiscal year 2007 could be worse. While the state has more money compared to the same period last year. Icet says expenses are up.
"To me, this is factoring in reality into the whole equation," said Rep. Allen Icet (R-Wildwood), who changed his vote to a yes. "Hopefully, [schools] understand we're doing the best we can."
The bill's sponsor, St. Louis County Rep. Allen Icet, says the intent of the bill is to expand access to Medicaid. The money the state taxes the health care providers is matched by the federal government.