September 26, 2008
Economic Recovery Package Benefits State Programs, Services
NCSL urges Congress to pass Senate version that boosts Medicaid, Food Stamps
WASHINGTON -- Intertwined in the ongoing debate over a $700 billion Wall Street bailout package is today’s expected vote in the House and Senate on an economic recovery measure to assist states and their citizens. The Senate package totals $56 billion for state programs and services and will be offered as an amendment to the House-passed continuing resolution (H.R. 2638).
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid and Senate Appropriations Committee Chairman Robert Byrd sponsored an amendment that includes a 4 percent temporary boost in federal Medicaid matching payments, supplemental Food Stamp and unemployment insurance benefits. It also contains additional funding to states for the Byrne Justice Assistance Grants and the Clean Water State Revolving Fund, infrastructure grants and the child support enforcement program.
"All of these provisions reflect recommendations made by the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) to the Congress and administration as tools to temporarily assist states with budget gaps, unfunded mandates and cost shifts, key program assistance and means to counter the economic downturn," said Michael Bird, senior federal affairs counsel.
The House package -- at this writing -- still is a work in progress, but could surface at any time today or over the weekend. It is expected to include a temporary boost in federal Medicaid matching payments and supplemental unemployment insurance, Food Stamps benefits, additional funding for highways, water treatment plants, mass transit and Amtrak. In earlier public pronouncements, the House economic recovery package would total nearly $50 billion. Like the Senate amendment, NCSL has voiced its support several times this year for the provisions likely to be included in the House package.
For additional information, please contact Michael Bird at michael.bird@ncsl.org or (202) 624-8668; Joy Johnson Wilson at joy.wilson@ncsl.org or (202) 624-8689; Lee Posey at lee.posey@ncsl.org or (202) 624-8196; Jeff Hurley at jeff.hurley@ncsl.org or (202) 624-7753; and Tamra Spielvogel at tamra.spielvogel@ncsl.org or (202) 624-8690.
NCSL is the bipartisan organization that serves the legislators and staff of the states, commonwealths and territories. It provides research, technical assistance and opportunities for policymakers to exchange ideas on the most pressing state issues and is an effective and respected advocate for the interests of the states in the American federal system.
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