Olson Supports GAMC Replacement

Bemidji State Senator Mary Olson says the state budget crisis is solvable. However, she says both parties need to be flexible.

Governor Tim Pawlenty has already said he will veto the legislature's replacement for General Assistance Medical Care.

Senator Olson says the plan would involve early enrollment into the federal government's Medicaid program. She says it would provide better care with a higher reimbursement for hospitals.

Senator Olson says early enrollment would allow the state to capture seven dollars for every one dollar spent.

The Bemidji DFL-er says the proposal may be doomed because the Governor is more interested in federal politics and opposition to federal health care reform.