Also includes coverage from Medical Assistance, government-assistance for low income or disability and those with dual coverage; Map: Jacque Schrag/Axios U.S. House Republicans passed a budget resolution last week calling for up to $2 trillion in spending cuts — a move nearly impossible to do without cutting Medicaid.

Strib Voices publishes a mix of commentary online and in print each day. To contribute, click here . ••• First elected to the Minnesota House in 1998 and now serving in the state Senate, Anoka County Republican Jim Abeler is a veteran rider of the state budget roller coaster and has been on the front lines when economic downturns require belt-tightening.

With Congress staring down a March 14 deadline to approve a new spending bill, health advocates are fearing drastic cuts to Medicaid. Congress last week took the first step in kickstarting talks by passing a budget framework along party lines.