Governor Vetos GAMC Bill

Just hours after the House and Senate passed a bill funding GAMC, Governor Pawlenty vetoed the bill.

Here is the letter the Governor sent to the legislature:

“I have vetoed and am returning Chapter 182, Senate File 2168, a bill that makes modifications to the General Assistance Medical Care (GAMC) program.

I initially vetoed this program in May 2009 because its costs were skyrocketing out of control, and the program was badly in need of reform. Senate File 2168 does not represent meaningful reform and does not address fundamental cost issues. It essentially re-establishes GAMC in its prior form, while reducing provider reimbursement rates by50%.

I refer you to both my veto letter of May 14, 2009, regarding a line-item veto of the program, as well as my letter to the House of Representatives from earlier today outlining my continuing concerns.

As the state struggles to resolve a $1.2 billion deficit, passage of this legislation is at best premature. Legislation that appropriates significant funds simply cannot be passed in a piecemeal fashion. A comprehensive, balanced budget solution must first be reached.

This legislation utilizes $170 million that I previously identified in my supplemental budget to help resolve the $1.2 billion deficit. Those same dollars cannot be used twice.

If a comprehensive budget solution is achieved, I remain open to working wtih you on these issues.”

A vote to override the veto will like take place on Monday. Many fear that Republicans who voted for the GAMC bill will back down and not vote for the override veto on Monday. Call or email your legislator immediately and tell them to override the Governor’s veto and pass the GAMC bill!