The U.S. Senate has
included funding for the UCP-supported Family
Opportunity Act (S. 321) in its Budget Resolution, an important
step toward passing that bill itself. The Family Opportunity Act
allows moderate-income families having children with severe
disabilities to "buy in" to Medicaid for those children.
This is essential financial protection for eligible families
because private insurance and the State
Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) seldom cover the
services that such kids need. The Senate's move was by approving an
amendment by Sens. Grassley (R-IA) and Kennedy (D-MA), the Family
Opportunity Act's chief sponsors. The House-passed version of the
Budget Resolution also includes funding for the Act, but passage of
the actual bill also will be required.
Meanwhile, in a surprise move, the Senate also approved an
amendment by Sen. Harkin (D-IA) to increase education funding,
including UCP-supported full federal funding for the Individuals with
Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), thus reducing the budget
surplus available for the President's proposed tax cut. Joining all
50 Democratic Senators in supporting the Harkin change were three
Republicans: Sens. Jeffords of Vermont, Chafee of Rhode Island and
Specter of Pennsylvania.
But Republican Leader Lott of Mississippi also voted Yes for a
procedural reason - so he would be allowed later to call for a
re-vote. If the Republican leadership is able to persuade any three
of the Harkin-supporting Senators that it will give them a better
deal, then the Harkin amendment could again be considered and
lose.
As of 9 AM on Friday, April 6, the Senate was scheduled to resume
debate on the Budget Resolution today and then to adjourn tonight
for the two-week Spring District Work Period (recess). This Recess
is an excellent time for you to contact your Members of Congress in
their District offices, urging continued support for both the Family
Opportunity Act and full federal funding of IDEA.
