MEDICAID CRISIS 07-13-08

GOVERNOR BARBOUR HAS FILED THE PAPERWORK TO START MAKING CUTS IN THE MEDICAID PROGRAM. HE SAYS THE CUTS WILL TAKE EFFECT AUGUST SIXTH UNLESS LAWMAKERS FIND ANOTHER SOLUTION OF COMING UP WITH THE 90 MILLION DOLLARS. THE SENATE HAS PASSED BARBOUR'S PLAN TO RESTRUCTURE HOSPITAL TAXES. SOME DEMOCRATIC LEADERS IN THE HOUSE ARE PUSHING FOR THE TOBACCO TAX INCREASE. LAWMAKERS WILL MEET IN JACKSON AUGUST 4TH TO DISCUSS THE 90 MILLION DOLLAR SHORTFALL. SOME LOCAL SENATORS DON'T EXPECT TO MAKE ANY PROGRESS WHEN BACK IN SESSION. THE MISSISSIPPI HOSPITAL ASSOCIATION HAS GONE ON RECORD AS SAYING TOO MANY CUTS WILL CLOSE HOSPITALS AND PUT THOUSANDS OF EMPLOYEES OUT OF WORK.