ST. PAUL (AP) — Democrats in the state Legislature are proposing $150 million in cuts from health and human services programs, a move that alarms advocates for the poor.

Some Democrats aren't happy about the plan either.

DFL Rep. Tom Huntley of Duluth chairs the House Health and Human Services Finance Committee. He says there's not much difference between the Democrats' plan and what Republicans have done in recent years.

DFL House Speaker Paul Thissen says health and human services comprise the second-largest portion of the state's budget. He says reforms and efficiencies are needed to keep providing services.

Bruce Nelson is CEO of the Association of Residential Resources in Minnesota. He worries that cuts will send nursing-home workers looking for different jobs, leaving to severe understaffing.

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