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Franken Studies Effects Of Proposed Medicaid Cuts

WAYZATA, Minn. (WCCO) -- U.S. Sen. Al Franken of Minnesota got some first-hand information Saturday on how cuts in Medicaid would affect the disabled.

"This is something that, I think, ah, who we are as a society both Minnesota and this country is how we treat the most vulnerable," Franken said after touring Hammer Residences in Wayzata.

The facility provides services for adults with disabilities.

"There was a young man, Nathan, who spoke, who lives in his own apartment and he has some services provided to him but he also works and pays taxes," said Franken.

Earlier this year, the U.S. House passed a 20 percent cut in Medicaid spending.

Medicaid is funded by the federal and state governments to pay for medical care for low income individuals and families. More than half of recipients are children and families and the remaining are people 65 or older and people with disabilities.

Congress continues to debate ways to reduce the federal deficit and Medicaid is one of the programs being examined.

NewsRadio 830 WCCO's Bruce Hagevik Reports

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