2006 Legislative Updates:

  February 16, 2006

House Health Care Committee: This afternoon Joe Baker (R - Rutland) put a last-minute amendment on the table that come directly from the governor's office. The amendment was similar to the administration's earlier plan to transfer insurance coverage to employers. Baker had a hard time explaining the amendment and no one from the administration was available.

After heated discussion and a committee break, Baker withdrew his amendment. He said he might offer it in another committee and/or the House floor.

The Committee passed Version 3.3 of the bill 9-2. In favor: all Democrats plus Republicans Severance and McFaun supported. Opposed: Chris Louras (R) and Joe Baker (R).

Vermont Health Care for All would like to thank VPIRG for their generous support of the 2006 Legislative Updates. They are also available on the VPIRG website http://www.vpirg.org. They will be produced throughout the 2006 Legislative session by Paul Forlenza. Forlenza can be contacted at paul@forlenza.us or 802-453-3592.