As we approach the last week of the legislative session, many people have asked about the status of the state budget for the two years beginning July 1, and more specifically, potential cuts to the HUSKY program.

The governor’s budget proposal, as well as proposals from legislators on both sides of the aisle, would cut eligibility for HUSKY – kicking almost 10,000 parents off of the state’s Medicaid program. However, CHCACT, health centers, other health providers, advocates and patients have been fighting to retain coverage at current levels.

Given the state’s budgetary challenges (we face a large deficit, due mostly to declining income tax revenues and obligations to state retirees) and other factors, policymakers have had significant conversations around cuts, employee concessions and potential sources of revenue, including a new casino, highway tolls and even the legalization/taxation of marijuana. However, to date, they have been unable to achieve agreement on most items.

Therefore, it looks as if policymakers will not have voted on a budget for the new fiscal year by the end of the session on Wednesday, June 7^th. Instead, the legislature will come back in Special Session later this month to vote on a budget agreement.

What can you do in the interim? You can call policymakers to tell them to protect HUSKY! At this time, with Congress seriously considering restructuring the entire Medicaid program as well as repealing the Affordable Care Act, Connecticut must recommit itself to this important program.

Ask your legislators and the governor to protect HUSKY!

Governor Dannel P. Malloy: 860-566-4840.

Your state legislators: www.cga.ct.gov, scroll down to Find Your Legislators. Call your State Senator and your State Representative.

Thanks for showing your support and helping to protect health care for CT residents!

- Deb