H.R. 4213, originally named the "American Jobs and Closing Tax Loopholes Act" has now been renamed the "Unemployment Compensation Extension Act." It originally included a 6 month extension of the FMAP (Federal Medicaid Assistance Percentage) increase. The FMAP extension was removed and the bill is now moving forward just addressing unemployment benefits.
Most services that individuals with developmental disabilities receive from our state are paid for by state funds and FMAP funds. Because of the recession, states were granted a temporary increase in the FMAP percentage they received. HR 4213 was supposed to extend that increase for another 6 months. Because it appeared it would pass, our state built last year's budget on the assumption we would receive that extra funding.
If Congress does not approve the FMAP funding by the Aug. 9 recess, the Governor has said that she would have no choice but to make across-the-board cuts of 4 to 5 percent to make up for the $480 million dollars shortfall. This means many services would be cut or eliminated.
Time is of the essence! Call your Senators today and ask them to fight to get the extension of the FMAP increase put back into HR 4213. The Senate will likely vote on this bill later this week, then it moves on to the House. We hope Senator Murray and Senator Cantwell will push to include this before it is voted on.
Act now by phone and email at http://capwiz.com/arcwa/state/main/?state=WA
UPDATE: The Senate passed HR 4213 on July 21, 2010 WITHOUT including the FMAP extension. Senator Murray continues to work with the House to get it included in the bill on the House floor. Calls and emails needed now to your Representative, calls are best as they are counted by issue. Follow the link above to act.
UPDATE: HR 4213 passed both House on July 22, 2010 without FMAP extension. Not giving up, Congress is in session until August 9th.
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