When Gov. Sonny Perdue vetoed the 2007 midyear budget bill passed by the state legislature last month, he blocked millions of dollars in emergency funding for Peachcare. The health program, used by about 300,000 poor and middle-class children, ran out of money last month.
In the meantime, Department of Community Health Spokeswoman Denee Brummer says, the companies that manage Peachcare recipients' healthcare have agreed to "help us out". Brummer says the companies have asked the department not to elaborate on the arrangement. She says the department remains confident that lawmakers will pass a midyear budget in May.
In emergencies, the governor can request a transfer of state funds from one department to another. But Perdue's spokesman, Burt Brantley calls that a "last resort" because "passing a midyear budget is a more appropriate way to do business." Perdue has not called a special session on the budget yet.
In the meantime, Department of Community Health Spokeswoman Denee Brummer says, the companies that manage Peachcare recipients' healthcare have agreed to "help us out". Brummer says the companies have asked the department not to elaborate on the arrangement. She says the department remains confident that lawmakers will pass a midyear budget in May.
In emergencies, the governor can request a transfer of state funds from one department to another. But Perdue's spokesman, Burt Brantley calls that a "last resort" because "passing a midyear budget is a more appropriate way to do business." Perdue has not called a special session on the budget yet.
