Dive Brief:
- California state legislators are expected to vote Thursday on whether to broaden a tax on health care plans and allocate $287 million for services for people with developmental disabilities.
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In order to achive the necessary approval, the legislation will need at least some Republican support in both the state House and Senate.
- While Republican leaders have indicated mixed opinions and no agreement is in place, Democratic supporters of the legislation indicated optimism that the legislation is inching toward approval.
Dive Insight:
Although state Republicans have opposed other calls for tax increases, this one stands a good chance of succeeding because it provides desperately needed support for the disabled.
In addition, as the Sacramento Bee reports, the legislation would offset any impact from the tax by lowering other taxes, and would bring in about $1.3 billion in federal matching money for agreeing to broaden the tax.
At the same time, the legislation would also forgive the debt of hospital-based, skilled nursing facilities and cost the state about $122.9 million during the next fiscal year.
“I know it’s not done until it’s done, but we’re inching very close to the final vote,” Sen. Mark Leno told the Bee.