Yesterday the House Democrats released their proposed 2011 Supplemental (HB 1086).  It does not cut as deeply as the governor's proposal, which would cut $255 million (NGFS+Opportunity Pathways).  Instead, the House Democrats would cut $216 million.  Some differences are:

• The House Democrats would suspend the Becca/Truancy Program, to save $3.1 million.
• They cut Regional Support Networks non-Medicaid funding in mental health by $5 million less than the governor proposed.
• They do not eliminate Disability Lifeline grants or medical.
• They reduce funding for the Food Assistance Program by $4.8 million (the governor would cut it entirely).
• They do not eliminate the Children's Health Program.
• They do not eliminate the Medicare Part D copay, but they would limit coverage.
• Like the governor, they eliminate the Basic Health Program; however, they fund a new Basic Health Transition program, which would cover the same clients as a bridge to 2014, when they would be covered under federal health care reform.  The funding is expected to come from the federal government, private contributions, and copays and premiums.
• Strangely, they would not reduce funding for agricultural fairs; instead, they would cut funding for agricultural marketing assistance ($290,000).  Also, they would not increase food bank funding.
• They would not reduce levy equalization.