Brown: Bill Would Preserve Teacher Jobs, Alleviate Strain on State Budgets, and Maintain Critical Services

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) released the following statement as the Senate prepares to vote this week on legislation that would fund teaching jobs and provide critical Medicaid assistance to states.

"Our economy is on the mend, but many middle-class families in Ohio are continuing to struggle under these tough economic times. With our state's budget already stretched so thin, it's critical that the Senate extend federal assistance to states through the Federal Medical Assistance Percentages (FMAP) program. Should this bill become law, Ohio stands to receive $492 million in vital Medicaid assistance that will help alleviate the strain on our state's budget while maintaining critical services.

"At the same time, we must work to ensure that our children-who are just a few short weeks away from heading back to school-receive a high-quality education even in the face of this economic downturn. Under this legislation, nearly 140,000 teaching jobs-including close to 5,000 in Ohio-would be saved. 

"I sincerely hope that Republicans will join Democrats to advance this important bill."

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