http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wium/local-wium-973882.mp3
Macomb, IL – Rich Egger's guests are State Representative Norine Hammond (R-Macomb) and State Senator John Sullivan (D-Rushville). They talk about this year's legislative session.
Topics include the budget and the dispute over funding for state construction projects.
They also talk about controversy over the Quinn administration's decision to drop Health Alliance, which is an HMO popular with state employees and retirees. Hammond and Sullivan both say they've heard complaints from a large number of constituents.
Hammond thinks the state should take another couple years to examine the matter and determine whether money can truly be saved by switching to Blue Cross - Blue Shield.
Sullivan says Blue Cross - Blue Cross needs to demonstrate whether it can set up a network across the state. Right now it is established in only about one-third of the state's counties.