Until Vermont's legislative leaders announced on Friday that the session would extend another week, we'd planned this week's newsletter as a final legislative wrap-up. At issue - and holding up resolution of the budget - is the governor's proposal on health insurance for teachers. The proposal is opposed by democratic leaders but nearly passed the House last week when a number of Democrats voted with the Republicans. I will leave the analysis of that situation to those who understand it far better than I do. For the VNAs of Vermont, it means uncertainty about the Medicaid and Choices for Care reimbursement increases included in both the House and the Senate budget packages. While we remain hopeful that the final budget will include an increase, in down-to-the-wire budget negotiations, everything can end up on the table. A gubernatorial veto of the budget is also a possibility and would almost certainly re-open budget negotiations unless the House voted to overturn the veto, an unlikely outcome given the current make-up of the body. Look for a special legislative wrap-up issue of the newsletter after adjournment.

 

In the meantime, join us in celebrating visiting nurses during National Nurses Week!