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State Representative Kim Norton
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
651-296-9249
For more information contact: Matt Swenson 651-297-8406
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REP. NORTON AUTHORS BILL FOR FAMILIES OF CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL NEEDS
ST. PAUL Rep. Kim Norton (DFL Rochester) has introduced a bill this session to help families of children with disabilities. This bill (HF0785) would help to alleviate the additional burden of fees these families must pay on behalf of their children in order for the child to receive state medical assistance (TEFRA). After extensive state budget cuts in 2003 these families were required to bear a disproportionate portion of the costs of care compared to other participants in state health care programs.
"I have worked extensively with children of special needs in the past and have personally seen the effects these increased fees have had on their families," said Rep. Norton. "Helping provide these children with the care they need and deserve is our moral obligation both as responsible legislators and concerned citizens."
The budget cuts of 2003 have left many state programs in desperate need of additional funding. After five years of being under-funded, many state agencies and programs are asking for their budgets to be restored. With a relatively small projected state surplus of mostly one-time funds after inflation, not all state programs will find immediate relief from their current budget woes. However, Rep. Norton is hopeful that her bill will pass this year to provide these families the help they need to keep their children safe and healthy.
"Providing adequate health care for all Minnesotans is a top priority for the Legislature this session especially for children," said Norton. "Children with disabilities should be no exception. The time to relieve these families of this additional burden has come."
The bill has been referred to the Health and Human Services Finance Division. It will now undergo the legislative process. Rep. Norton will be working with her colleagues in the Legislature in the weeks and months ahead to ensure that the bill passes and the burden of these fees is diminished.
News Items
- Rep. Norton Selected as Vice Chair of House Health and Human Services Finance Committee - (Posted: 2012-12-14 00:00:00)
- Its Time for Legislature to Get Back to Basics, Balance the Budget Honestly - (Posted: 2012-12-11 00:00:00)
- Second Saturday Coffee Meeting Date Changed to December 9 - (Posted: 2012-12-03 00:00:00)
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