Voices for Utah Children issued the following press release on August 10:

Salt Lake City, UT – Today, by a vote of 247 to 161, the House passed legislation (HR 1586) that will bring important relief to the millions of children and families impacted as a result of the recession. Utah is projected to receive $57 million for Medicaid and $101 million for education. The funding comes at a time when state budgets, including Utah’s, are severely pressed and families are in crisis.

Karen Crompton, executive director of Voices for Utah Children, praised Congressman Matheson for his vote and stated: “Today’s vote will help ensure the availability of vital health, education, and child welfare services for poor and vulnerable children.”

Crompton noted that today’s victory was bittersweet since one of the offsets to pay for the legislation is a reduction to SNAP (formerly Food Stamps) and called on Congress and the Administration to pledge to restore the funding cuts made to the SNAP program. “We recognize the importance of getting additional aid to states but are disappointed in the offset that is being used to fund HR 1586.” She added, “We have been working hard to ensure the extension of the FMAP rate while also making sure that more children and families are able to access nutritious meals through the SNAP program. It is unfortunate that Congress was unable to find another politically viable offset and has essentially put us all in the position of supporting health care coverage for low-income children and families at the expense of putting food on their tables.”

Click on link below to view press release in pdf format.

Press Release: House Approves Extension of ARRA Provisions  (8-10-10)