By Matt Hackworth, KCUR
Kansas City – Missouri Governor Bob Holden wants a constitutional amendment that would make it more difficult for lawmakers to cut spending on children's healthcare.
The House budget committee approved a plan to curb spending on the MC-Plus healthcare program, which the Governor says would cut care for 20,000 kids. Governor Holden says investing in MC-Plus prevents unnecessary emergency room visits and saves the state money.
"Right now, the average cost for MC-Plus for kids insurance coverage is $100 dollars a month for each child," Holden said. "If the parents of an uninsured child have to take that child to the emergency room, one single visit alone costs 600 dollars."
The governor's amendment would require a two-thirds majority in the legislature.
Republicans say money saved by the MC-Plus cuts would be put toward other state poverty programs.