See what happens when I go on vacation…..the Senate finally voted on extending the FMAP! With a vote of 61-39, the Senate approved a slightly scaled back version of the FMAP extension. Beginning in January 2011, the FMAP extension will provide a 3.2%first quarter increase, which is reduced to 1.2% in the second quarter. There are exceptions for states with high unemployment rates (not sure what the definition of “high unemployment rates” is), which will continue to receive the enhanced FMAP without any decrease.
The House, which had began summer recess, has been called back to D.C. and is expected to vote on the bill this week. It is critical that the House pass this legislation or Colorado’s current budget will be short approximately $200 million. If you have a minute, please consider calling your Representative and encouraging them to vote yes on extending the FMAP.
Representative Diana DeGette: 202-225-4431
Representative Jared Polis: 202-225-2161
Representative John Salazar: 202-225-4761
Representative Betsy Markey: 202-225-4876
Representative Doug Lamborn: 202-225-4422
Representative Mike Coffman: 202-225-7882
Representative Ed Perlmutter: 202-225-2645
