Today, Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-27) voted with his colleagues in the House of Representatives to approve H.R. 1586, the Education Jobs and Medicaid Assistance Act, fully-paid for legislation which provides $26.1 billion to save over 319,000 education, police and firefighter jobs, removes tax loopholes that encourage corporations to ship American jobs overseas, and reduces the deficit by $1.4 billion over the next decade.
“Investing in our education, public health and safety systems is plain and simple an investment in the well being and future of our community,” said Congressman Higgins. “With this timely legislation, we are saving hundreds of jobs in Western New York and thousands across New York State that will keep our children in quality classrooms, our neighbors on the job and our streets safe.”
Necessary and Timely Investments in Education
In total, this legislation invests over $10 billion to prevent imminent layoffs and save teacher jobs, of which $607.6 million will go towards New York State and $18.3 million in Congressman Higgins’ district. According to the National Education Association (NEA), these investments will directly result in 8,200 education jobs in New York State and 251 education jobs in Western New York. Furthermore, the legislation specifically designates that states use these funds for preservation of jobs serving elementary and secondary education rather than equipment, utilities and renovations.
Preserving Critical Public Service Jobs
This legislation provides $16.1 billion in health assistance to states through extending FMAP, including over $2 billion to New York State with more than $530 million to local governments. Congressman Higgins has consistently supported the extension of the enhanced FMAP to assist state and local government in their financial situation. As recently as May 2010, he sent a letter to House leadership advocating for this local aid.
According to an analysis by the Economic Policy Institute, these funds will save and create 158,000 jobs, including preventing the layoff of police officers and firefighters. Additionally, more than half these jobs saved and created will be in the private sector, including workers who work in coordination with state and local governments.
Reducing the Deficit by $1.4 Billion, Demonstrating Fiscal Responsibility
According to the non-partisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO), this fully paid for legislation reduces the deficit by $1.4 billion over 10 years by offsetting the cost with $27.5 billion in savings – including $17.7 billion in spending cuts and $9.8 billion by closing tax loopholes which encourage corporations to ship American jobs overseas.
The bill now goes to President Obama for his signature into law.
Additional Information:
ShareThis