The jobs and tax legislation includes yet another extension in federal unemployment benefits. Without it -- many Americans will stop getting checks. Yet, GOP Senator George Voinovich voted against moving forward with the aid package. Like many Republicans and some Democrats, he wants to see more spending offset.
Also attached is a $24 billion proposal to help states pay for Medicaid programs for the poor. Ohio stands to get more than 900 million of those dollars. Ron Pollack with the group FamiliesUSA says many states are depending on the money.
POLLACK – “If they are not secure in knowing they are going to get this extra money, then they are going to possibly have to make some drastic changes, including real big cut-backs in Medicaid, which will be very harmful to people who need protection the most.”
A report by the National Conference of State Legislatures says Ohio is not counting on the money but advocates say it will come in handy.
The House stripped the Medicaid proposal but passed the unemployment measure. Senate leaders are looking to regroup in the coming days, which could mean an even more slimmed down proposal in that chamber.