A bill requiring some able-bodied adults on the state’s Medicaid program (called Medical Assistance) to work a minimum number of hours per month cleared a committee in the Minnesota Senate Thursday night over Democrats’ strong objections. Sponsor, East Grand Forks Republican Mark Johnson argues the purpose is to break the cycle of dependency on government programs. He says, “This is not a cost-saving bill. We’re investing in individuals, and that’s the purpose of this bill.” Brooklyn Center Democrat Chris Eaton fired back, “I don’t understand how you can think we’re investing in people, when essentially what you’re doing is threatening their health care if they don’t somehow find a way to work with whatever their issues are.”
The bill is also moving forward in the Minnesota House.
Governor Mark Dayton sent a letter to top Republican lawmakers on Thursday saying he strongly opposes the bill. Dayton warns it would take away health care from Minnesotans with disabilities and chronic conditions which make it “very difficult for them to work.” Republicans say the number of people on Medical Assistance has grown tremendously and work requirements for those who are able will break the cycle of dependency on government programs.