Dearborn, MI – Congressman John D. Dingell (D-MI15) made the following remarks about his brief trip to Washington, DC tomorrow so that he can vote on H.R. 1586, the Education Jobs and Medicaid Assistance Act.  This legislation provides for a $10 billion Education Jobs Fund, as well as an extension to the temporary increase in federal funding for the Federal Medical Assistance Program (FMAP) as passed in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA).  The increase in federal funding is set to expire at the end of this year without congressional approval of the proposed extension.  This legislation will provide Michigan with more than $600 million in school and Medicaid funding.

“I regret having to cancel events and meeting with constituents, but there is important work to do in Washington.  We have a tremendous opportunity to ensure the jobs of 4,700 Michigan teachers will be saved, keeping them in the classrooms where they are needed.  The bill also includes $16.1 billion to help states keep their Medicaid programs up and running.   The funding included in this legislation will provide help to our States and create opportunity for our people. 

“However, I am disappointed that my colleagues in the Senate have decided to pay for part of this legislation by reducing the increased food stamp benefits passed in ARRA.  The purchasing power of food stamps has never been high enough, $4.50 a day per person, which is why far too many low-income families cannot afford to buy healthy food.  And now starting in April 2014, the food stamp benefits for a family of four will be cut $54 per month.  At a time when one in six people in Michigan are relying on food stamps, we cannot afford a cut in benefits.  I hope that Congress will work to restore this funding swiftly.

“This legislation will also actually reduce the deficit by $1.4 billion over 10 years in part by closing tax loopholes that encourage corporations to ship American jobs overseas.  Unfortunately, our friends across the aisle are determined to fight this important bill and scare the American public into thinking this is a tax increase.  It is simply untrue.  They do not realize this is not a time to be political.  It is a time to be practical and create opportunity for all Americans during these challenging times.” 

The National Conference of State Legislatures reports that Michigan is one of 30 states that are depending on FMAP funding to close budget gaps.