Senate Democrats “are discussing with a pair of pivotal moderate Republicans a scaled-down version of a tax and benefits extension bill that they have so far failed to move,” Congressional Quarterly reports.
The most significant change being discussed would shrink the cost of a $24.2 billion provision that extends extra federal Medicaid funds to struggling states. In a new version, which was circulating among lobbyists Tuesday morning but not released or confirmed by lawmakers and aides, the federal assistance first enacted in the 2009 stimulus law would be gradually phased down over the coming fiscal year.
Democrats have been insisting that the Medicaid money remain in the bill to aid vulnerable patients and help cushion the economy against potential layoffs in state governments. The House removed the money last month to cut the cost of the bill, but, under pressure, the Senate added it back.
Who Democrats are after:
One key swing voter, Susan Collins, R-Maine, noted that she has long advocated for a phase-down approach to the Medicaid assistance that would avoid a cliff for state budgets. “I proposed it over a year ago, because I thought it was good policy,” she said.
Olympia J. Snowe, R-Maine, said she has been meeting with Democrats about the bill and that they are looking at an approach that would shrink the cost of the Medicaid provision to $20 billion and use $4 billion in unspent stimulus money to cover some of that cost. Then, Snowe said, she has been urging Democrats to look at various spending items in the bill to see if they could be reduced. However, Snowe also wants to remove several of the revenue-raising provisions, which could increase the amount that is not paid for.
(credit image – daylife/associated press)
Congress in Your Pocket
We all can agree that finding a job has changed forever. This Great Recession that we are in has destroyed the Middle Class as we know it. One of the largest groups of long term unemployed are professional people from ages 40 to 65. We are discovering that our previous occupations do not exist anymore. I do believe that extended unemployment benefits are necessary to help sustain the long term unemployed and our economy. However, a long term solution is also necessary. I agree that Government needs to draw a line as to when benefits should stop, but they need help us create our own solutions to our joblessness before they draw that line and curtail benefits.
I suggest that the Government provide stimulus funds to the long term professionals, who are unemployed by way of the Small Business Administration. These funds are available to anyone with a good business plan and excellent credit. That is the problem for many of us long term unemployed, who have lost their homes, cars, and have many of unpaid bills. All of which have resulted in the destruction of our credit ratings. We do possess the knowledge, fortitude, and skills to open our own small businesses and support ourselves, and create new jobs. We just do not have the credit. We want to be part of the solution – not the problem.
One reason that our professional jobs have disappeared, is the advancement of computers, cell phones, automated phone systems and software programs that do all the work. I am a 53 year old professional that has worked since I was 14 years old. The last 15 years, I have worked as a paralegal, where automation and smart software programs have taken over many of my old job duties. Going to the Law Library has been replaced with Westlaw and Nexus Lexis software programs enabling anyone with half a brain to do legal research. Also, many attorneys have become computer savvy. They write their own briefs, pleadings, and email their correspondence. They keep their own calendars using their Blackberries leaving few duties left for a trained educated paralegal. Attorneys can now get by with having someone to just answer the phone (which is also automated), make copies, and do filing. This goes for other white collar mid-level occupations as well. When the recession hit, many businesses took a harder look at their current employees – looking to cut their costs of doing business. What many companies found out is that many jobs no longer required the experience and expertise of their mid to high level employees. Automation and computer programs now provided the valuable skills needed today. They could hire fewer employees or employees with lesser skills for less pay and still run a vital profitable business.
whats up, love your blog about stimulus money available for small business