Feb. 10, 2009

Senate passage of the economic recovery legislation is a necessary step toward returning normalcy to our economic system and providing relief to those in need.

The U.S. Senate approved on Tuesday the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, which includes a number of legislative measures supported by UJC and the Federations of North America.  The bill provides needed federal dollars toward state relief and ensures that those without jobs qualify for unemployment insurance and health care benefits.  It also maps out a plan for the implementation of various public works programs which will facilitate the creation of new jobs.

Last week, UJC hosted over 60 Jewish leaders to advocate to a bipartisan group of members from the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives to support its health and long term care priorities.  In addition to individual meetings with legislators - including Senator George Voinovich (R-Ohio) and Representative Henry Waxman (D-Calif.) - the group collectively heard from Senators Arlen Specter (R-Pa.) and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Representatives Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-Fla.) and Gabrielle Giffords (D-Ariz.), Christina Tchen, director of public liaison at the White House, as well as the Speaker of the House’s senior health policy advisor Wendell Primus.  Alexi Giannoulias, the Illinois State Treasurer, also spoke to the UJC group, providing a state’s perspective of the ongoing economic crisis and the Senate legislation.

“Issues that affect everyday Americans have long been important to UJC and the entire Jewish community,” said William Daroff, vice president for public policy and director of UJC  Washington.  “It is crucial that those who have been devastated by the economic recession have access to the social services that will help to blunt its impact.  This legislation provides necessary funding to allow social services provided by Jewish agencies to care for the vulnerable among us.”

UJC strongly advocated for a number of provisions in this bill including enhanced funding for Medicaid, the Emergency Food and Shelter Program, and the Social Services Block Grant program.

UJC supported provisions include an additional $87 billion in increased federal funding to help states shore-up their Medicaid programs and support the increasing number of individuals and families requesting Medicaid help.  UJC is a chief proponent of this provision and has led advocacy efforts among the faith-based community for an increased federal commitment for Medicaid.

Additionally, the Senate approved $100 million for the Emergency Food and Shelter Program (EFSP), which provides supplemental funding to non-profit and public agencies to help respond to food and shelter needs.  UJC is one of six national service organizations that manage the EFSP program and is a leader among these organizations fighting for increased funding.

The Senate approved the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act by a vote of 61 to 37.  UJC encourages House and the Senate to act swiftly to reach a compromise on a final bill.