June 9, 2010

One issue the Governor is right on: without federal medicaid funds, another 12,000 job cuts loom

We disagree with the governor on many things, but not on the need for a federal jobs bill with the Medicaid money Washington and other states need. 

Without the $480 million in federal Medicaid funds (called FMAP), another 12,000 state jobs would be cut on top of the roughly 6,000 already cut, the governor said in a letter to this state’s Congressional delegation. 

Without the federal money, the governor said she would likely call the Legislature back into special session to fill the budget gap—and cut jobs. 
“If the (FMAP Medicaid funding) extension is not realized, the state will not only be unable to provide medical services to thousands of families, but would likely see a loss of thousands of jobs as across-the-board cuts would be a likely response,” the governor said, as reported in today’s (June 8) The Olympian. 

That’s why we need you to call Sen. Patty Murray and Sen. Maria Cantwell and tell them to support a jobs bill that saves public jobs. Because deficits matter—but jobs matter more. 

The U.S. Senate is about to vote on a jobs bill that includes dollars for state governments to avoid layoffs and public service cuts. This money is needed more than ever. Cutting public jobs and services will endanger economic recovery. And it will make the national debt even worse. 

Call your U.S. senators toll-free at 1-877-442-6801 and urge them to vote YES! on the Senate Jobs Bill (H.R. 4213). This bill will prevent more layoffs and public service cutbacks. 

Ask for a response.   Call as soon as possible on your own phone.

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