$26 Billion In Aid For States Clears The Senate
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Reporting from Washington —
The Senate on Thursday overcame a Republican-led filibuster to advance a $26.1-billion package of state aid that would help keep nearly 140,000 teachers on the job nationwide and continue extra funding for healthcare services to low-income households during the recession.
Governors from nearly every state – including California — have sought the Medicaid healthcare funds that many had already voted in their budgets. Together the states faced a combined $12-billion deficit if the funding is not approved. Teachers also have fought to save educators from layoffs this fall.
Even though the bill was fully paid for by cuts elsewhere and closing tax loopholes, Republicans argued that the federal government should not be bailing out the states. Republicans called the funding payback to the teachers’ unions that support Democrats.
The bill advances as the Senate is racing the clock with a full agenda in the final days before the August recess. The 61-38 vote, with two Republicans voting to advance the measure, is headed toward a final vote this week.
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