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Background
The House of Representatives released its version of the economic recovery package yesterday. The Senate is likely to unveil its version next week. That bill will be S.1. Both versions are being worked on in close cooperation with the incoming Obama Administration.
In addition to $275 billion in tax cuts, the House bill, entitled the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, will provide $550 billion for myriad domestic programs to spur the economy, job growth and help state and local governments cope with rising deficits.
A substantial amount of this new spending will be available to protect and possibly expand disability services. Among the most critical increases to disability programs are:
- $87 billion for an increased federal Medicaid match (FMAP)
- $13 billion for IDEA State Grants
- $600 million for IDEA Early Intervention
- $500 million for the Vocational Rehabilitation State Grant
- A one time $450 (individuals)/$630 (couples) payment to all SSI recipients ($4.2 billion total)
- $900 million to improve the Social Security Administration claims process and computerization upgrades
- $6.5 billion for several low income housing initiatives
A more complete summary of disability related provisions can be found at: http://www.thearc.org/NetCommunity/Document.Doc?id=1464
The Congress hopes to complete action on these bills so that President Obama can sign the economic recovery package into law by mid February. Clearly most states and local governments are desperate to receive this influx of federal money to prevent increasing job loses and massive budget cuts.
Many states are now in the process of deciding which disability programs to cut or eliminate. These bills will likely draw substantial bipartisan opposition due to the costs involved. It is imperative that disability advocates contact their Senators and Representatives to support these critical bills.
Action Needed
Please email your Senators and Representative TODAY. See the "Take Action" section for a sample message.
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