FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Tom Cheney, (802) 828-2245
Alex MacLean, (802) 828-3806
Montpelier, Vt – President Barack Obama and Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius Friday announced an effort to provide fiscal relief for states through a temporary adjustment to state “clawback payments” made to the Federal government as a part of Medicare Part D. Vermont can expect to net $12 million in fiscal relief for FY11. Speaker Shap Smith and Senate President Pro-Tem Peter Shumlin had the following to say in response to the announcement.
“We applaud President Obama and Secretary Sebelius for recognizing the pressures states are facing as we craft our budgets in this tough economic time,” said Senator Shumlin. “The $12 million will go a long way in helping to close Vermont ’s $150 million budget gap.”
The House Appropriations and Human Services Committees have heard testimony about the Governor’s proposed budget from many Vermonters through a series of public hearings, particularly on the issues facing seniors, people with disabilities and access to health care.
“While we have made considerable progress towards crafting a balanced budget, much work remains to be done,” said Speaker Smith. “These dollars are a significant opportunity for us to address our fiscal challenges while protecting Vermont families who are struggling to survive in these difficult economic times.”
The legislative leaders agree that the president’s announcement provides a great opportunity to help Vermonters in this difficult economic climate.
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