By Maria Hickey and Marshall Griffin, KWMU
Jefferson City, Mo. – The House has passed legislation overhauling the Missouri Medicaid system, just before lawmakers adjourned the 2007 legislative session. The measure now heads to Governor's Matt Blunt.
The final vote was 92-67 and fell largely along party lines, with primary support from Republicans.
KWMU's Marshall Griffin was in the House and said while there was debate over the bill, it was cut off in order to make the deadline.
"Most everyone that wanted to say something about it got a chance to debate it, however, a little past five o'clock the house floor leader Mr. Dempsey called the previous question, which is a procedure that cuts off debate," Griffin said. "They did that in order to guarantee that they could adjourn by 6 p.m."
Had legislators not voted on the measure, Governor Matt Blunt indicated that he would call a special session.
The new program will be called Missouri HealthNet.