The deal on spending the state’s 55-million dollars in tobacco company “sin payments” is one step closer to reality. The Iowa House yesterday endorsedthe spending plan for the tobacco settlement, putting the money toward health-related issues. Nearly half of the money will be spent to boost government payments to hospitals, doctors and clinics who treat Medicare and Medicaid patients. Representative Dave Heaton, a republican from Mount Pleasant, has traveled to dozens of Iowa hospitals and clinics. He says he heard concerns about low pay, employee turnover and lack of access in medical and dental care. He says this bill takes a great step forward in correcting many of the problems.Heaton expects Senators to accept the House-adjustments in the deal and send it to Governor Vilsack for his endorsement.
