Medicaid Expansion Bill Fails

The bill to continue Montana's Medicaid expansion program has failed on a tie vote in the Senate, but it's not dead.

Several Republican lawmakers said Thursday they were withholding their support until they see how other bills play out. One measure would allow NorthWestern Energy to purchase an additional share of a coal-fired power plant in Colstrip and additional access to a major power line.

Republican Sen. Tom Richmond voted against the Medicaid expansion bill, even though he's a co-sponsor. He says he wants to see some support for the Colstrip proposal, which he also co-sponsors and which is scheduled for consideration in a House committee on Friday.

Senate Majority Leader Fred Thomas says the Medicaid expansion bill will likely be on the Senate agenda again on Friday or Saturday.