SALEM, Ore. (AP) — Republicans in the Oregon House have agreed to advance a bill that would allow the state to accept a $48 million grant to create the computer infrastructure for a health insurance exchange.
Republican state Rep. Dennis Richardson said Tuesday the bill will get a committee hearing on Friday. The bill had been caught up in a key budget committee over GOP concerns about the state’s record on managing large information technology projects.
Richardson says he received assurances from state health officials they would work closely with a legislative analyst experienced in managing IT projects.
Democrats have said they believe the Republican opposition was fueled by opposition to the federal health care overhaul.
An insurance exchange would help connect individuals and small businesses with affordable health coverage.
