GAMC pressure rising for House GOP
Supporters of a bill to extend General Assistance Medical Care for 16 months are turning up the heat on Republicans.
DFLers in the Minnesota House will need three GOP votes to override Gov. Tim Pawlenty's veto of the bill. An override vote is expected Monday.
A group called the Save GAMC Coalition has scheduled a demonstration Friday morning at a busy intersection in White Bear Lake. Organizers say they plan to thank Rep. Carol McFarlane, R-White Bear Lake, for voting for the original bill last week and encourage her to vote for the override.
The Alliance for a Better Minnesota is using online advertising to target Rep. Marty Seifert, R-Marshall. A news release says the group wants Seifert to stand by his original vote to continue the service to the most vulnerable and veterans in need.
Religious leaders, including Minnesota Catholic Bishops, are also getting involved. Bishop John Kinney of St. Cloud sent a memo this week to priests, deacons and parish life coordinators in his diocese, encouraging them to contact state legislators.
"I would encourage you to be in contact with your representatives by phone or e-mail as soon as possible to express your support of the override of Gov. Pawlenty's veto of the General Assistance Medical Care bill," Kinney wrote.
House Republican leaders insist their caucus will stand united with the governor.
Create a More Connected Minnesota
MPR News is your trusted resource for the news you need. With your support, MPR News brings accessible, courageous journalism and authentic conversation to everyone - free of paywalls and barriers. Your gift makes a difference.