More Info on the Stimulus Bill

Well, I don't know about anyone else, but I have been on pins and needles about the stimulus bill and whether the provisions that apply to disability are in or out or what...

Well, this came today from the ARC/UCP's Policy Center:

Senators Ben Nelson (D-NE), Susan Collins (R-ME), Arlen Specter (R-PA), and Joe Lieberman (I-CT) crafted a compromise substitute amendment for the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (S.1). According to the Senate Democratic leadership, the substitute will garner sufficient Republican support to overcome a filibuster (or endless debate). The following disability-related program increases remain in the substitute bill:

* $87 billion over two years in the federal share of Medicaid spending (FMAP);
* $13 billion for IDEA state grant program;
* $500 million for the vocational rehabilitation state grant;
* $110 million for independent living;
* $500 million for IDEA Part C early intervention;
* $2.25 billion for the HOME (housing) program;
* $100 million for lead paint abatement;
* $400 million for the Social Services Block Grant (Title XX);
* $16.7 billion for a $300 one-time payment to Social Security beneficiaries, including people with disabilities and retirees, beneficiaries receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI), and disabled veterans;
* $750 million for a new National Computer Center for the Social Security Administration (SSA); and
* $140 million for information technology for SSA.

The substitute eliminates funding to make Section 811 Supportive Housing units more energy efficient.

The Senate bill does not include an extension of moratoria on seven Medicaid regulations until July 1.

Of course, the story is nowhere near over, but I am happy to be living in less suspense. Suspense gets on my nerves after a while!