Momentous legislation continues to advance with little hindrance.
* ASACARE: Gov. Asa Hutchinson’s legislation to continue the private option Medicaid expansion under Obamacare for at least two years and to study a restructuring of medical services passed easily in the Senate today and a House committee defeated a Tea Party private option repeal bill in committee. The Senate bill passed 27-7 and the Medicaid appropriation passed 29-2. Opponents of Obamacare mustered only eight votes in committee to repeal the private option. It is looking more and more like the private option will be continued quickly and with a minimum of drama. What a difference a Republican governor makes.
* TAX CUTS: Hutchinson’s income tax bill — $100 million in income tax cuts for those making between $21,000 and $75,000; a delay of a top bracket tax cut, and a repeal of a portion of a 2013 capital gains tax cut — passed the House 95-2.