Economic stimulus package includes spending on disability programs

From Arc and UCP Alerts (Jan. 15-16, 2009):

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. This bill and a similar one in the Senate are expected to move quickly through the legislative process so that it can be signed into law by President Obama in mid-February. There are many provisions in the bill to increase spending on disability programs. Many other funding increases to states and communities could also be utilized to provide numerous types of assistance to people with disabilities and the programs that support them.

HEALTH -- Medicaid: FMAP - $87 billion - all states receive a 4.8% increase with higher rates for states with high unemployment rates. Medicaid and Medicare regulations moratoria are extended until October, 2009.

EDUCATION -- Special Education: $13 billion for the IDEA State Grant Program and $600 million for the IDEA Part C Early Intervention Program.

EMPLOYMENT -- Vocational Rehabilitation: $500 million through the VR State Grant for construction and rehabilitation of facilities that prepare persons with disabilities for gainful employment.

INDEPENDENT LIVING -- Centers for Independent Living: $200 million to assist people with disabilities to live in their communities.