[StBernard] BLANCO TRACK: Session Update for May 7, 2007

[Westley Annis]

BLANCO TRACK: Session Update for May 7, 2007
Today's progress on Governor Blanco's agenda to strengthen Louisiana's future


BATON ROUGE - The following bills in the Governor's legislative package were approved in committee today. They now head to the full Senate for further consideration:

Senate Bill 238 - Establishment of Health Care Redesign Fund in state treasury 

*	Sponsored by Senator Joe McPherson, Vice Chairman, Senate Finance Committee. 
*	This fund will facilitate a safe, patient-centered, high quality redesigned health care system for Medicaid recipients and low-income uninsured patients. Specifically the $198 million fund will provide for a "medical home" system of care in New Orleans and Southwest Louisiana, expands health insurance for children, increases behavioral health services (substance abuse and mental health treatment) and provides funding for health care workforce recruitment and retention.
*	Approved by the Senate Finance Committee. 

Senate Bill 284- Expenditures for Fiscal Year 2006-2007

*	Sponsored by Senator Francis C. Heitmeier, Chairman, Senate Finance Committee. 
*	This bill increases the expenditure limit for Fiscal Year 06-07 by $400 million for infrastructure expenditures related to Louisiana's recruitment of the ThyssenKrupp steel mill. 
*	Approved by the Senate Finance Committee. 

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