Political Quotes

“I come to the Floor today to discuss something very important to Illinois and so many others states FMAP. As part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, we increased the Federal matching rate for Medicaid, FMAP. This is smart policy in a recession, because not only does it help people in a time of need, it is also one of the most effective ways to stimulate the economy. Temporarily increasing Medicaid costs allows States to sustain their programs, rather than cutting them when families need them most. It also generates business activity, jobs and wages in States that they would not otherwise have seen. But the temporary FMAP increase we passed is scheduled to end on December 31 right in the middle of most States' fiscal year. For the 3rd consecutive year, States are facing vast revenue shortfalls. One estimate is that States will face deficits of over $350 billion over the next 30 months. As a result, at least 30 States are proposing cuts to their Medicaid programs for fiscal year 2011--cuts that will harm people right when they need help most. These include cuts to eligibility, fewer benefits, more cost-sharing, and lower payments to the medical providers who see Medicaid patients. The measure we are considering today would extend and phase out increases in the Medicaid matching rate for 6 months, through June 30, 2011.”