Vermont State Senate passes legislation to put state on the path to single-payer health care
April 30, 2011
MONTPELIER, Vermont: Today, the Vermont State Senate approved legislation that would take the first step toward becoming the first state with a single-payer health care system.[1]
The measure passed by a 21-9 vote. Last month, the Vermont House of Representatives approved similar legislation, but differences between the two bills will require reconciliation by a conference committee.[2]
However, the Senate-passed version contains a measure which prevents illegal immigrants from being covered on the state-run insurance program. The amendment could undermine ultimate passage of the legislation.[3]
Republicans have advocated against passage of the bill, citing the lack of current cost estimates to the legislation.[2]
Governor Peter Shumlin (D) made one of his primary campaign promises to establish a single-payer sytem in Vermont.[1]
If the legislation is enacted, it would first come into effect in 2014.
Democrats control both the Senate and House by sizable margins.
Footnotes
| |||||
