MADISON, Wis. (AP) — The Republican-controlled state budget committee voted Thursday to approve about $225 million in Medicaid cuts expected to result in about 65,000 poor adults and children leaving health insurance programs, either because they would no longer be eligible or they could no longer afford coverage.

Democrats on the Legislature's Joint Finance Committee voted against the proposal from Republican Gov. Scott Walker's administration, which along with other measures would come to about $554 million in cuts. Opponents, including advocates for the poor and uninsured, railed against the Medicaid cuts, calling them unjust and inhumane.

"The Republicans are waging a campaign against social justice and the enemy appears to be working-class families who are struggling to make ends meet," said Sen. Bob Jauch, D-Poplar.

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