House Committee Approves Compromise Bill

The House budget committee has approved a compromise bill dividing state settlement money from the BP oil spill, using the money to pay off state debts and pay for road projects in costal counties.  The proposal would also help close most of the gap in next year's Medicaid budget.  Much of the money, nearly $450 million, would pay back money borrowed during past budget shortfalls.  An estimated $191 million would go for road projects at the coast.  Budget chairman Steve Clouse says it is a fair compromise that keeps the focus on repaying debts.  Clouse said the plan would free up $55 million for Medicaid.