Georgia House and Senate in power struggle over budget

Georgia’s Senate and House are in a power struggle over funding and permitting for hospitals. Senate Republicans sliced $87 million from universities’ teaching funds on Tuesday after nixing an $18 million health insurance increase sought by universities. That equals the $105 million lawmakers allotted to Augusta University’s hospitals even as the university negotiates giving control to Wellstar Health System. Marietta-based Wellstar closed two Atlanta-area hospitals that cared for lower-income patients, and is trying to block a competing hospital in Jackson County. That new hospital could financially benefit the family of Republican Lt. Gov. Burt Jones. Senate Appropriations Committee Chairman Blake Tillery says Wellstar’s behavior raises questions.