Medicaid money caught in political tug-of-war between states, Washington, By David Klepper, June 15, 2010, Kansas City Star: “If bailout-weary members of Congress have their way, Kansas and 29 other states will lose $25 billion in expected federal aid and face yet another round of gaping budget deficits. The money – amounting to $130 million in Medicaid dollars for the Sunflower State – is caught in the middle of a tug of war between cash-starved legislatures and Washington lawmakers reluctant to pass another bailout that adds billions in debt in an election year. A year ago, Congress increased the federal contribution to state Medicaid programs as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. But the extra money expires in December. Despite loud protests from Democratic and Republican governors nationwide, a bill extending the higher contributions for six additional months faces an uncertain fate in Congress. A Senate vote is possible this week, but there’s no guarantee of passage…”
Day: June 16, 2010
Extension of Jobless Benefits
Jobless benefits extension stalls in Senate, By Janet Hook, June 16, 2010, Los Angeles Times: “An effort to extend benefits for the long-term unemployed stalled Tuesday on Capitol Hill when the Senate voted 45-52 to block the $140-billion catchall bill that also would delay a Medicare fee cut, extend a hodgepodge of expiring tax cuts, and includes other provisions that Democrats say will help stimulate job growth. Although the bill also included tax increases on investment managers and oil companies to help offset the cost, it has run into opposition from Republicans as well as many Democrats who are worried about adding to the burgeoning budget deficit…”