Legislature Adjourns; No Budget Deal in Place
The constitutionally mandated adjournment came to the Legislature on Monday, May 23 with no budget deal in place. A special session is a certainty, and a government shutdown looms if agreement is not reached by June 30.
Physician “Gag Rule” Bill Introduced
Similar to efforts in Florida and Mississippi, a bill has been introduced in the Minnesota House and Senate that would prohibit physicians from asking patients and patients’ families about the availability and access to firearms. The bill did not receive a hearing prior to adjournment, but remains alive for the 2012 session.
MN-AAP Weighs in on MERC
Joining with more than a dozen physicians’ groups, hospitals, health care systems, and academics, the MN-AAP called on Governor Dayton and legislative leaders to reconsider the proposed deep cuts to MERC. Arguing that cuts of the magnitude proposed by the Legislature would have devastating impact on medical research and medical education, the groups urged leaders to adequately fund this vital program.
