Statement from Governor Quinn on U.S. Senate Vote to Extend Aid to States

CHICAGO – August 5, 2010. Governor Pat Quinn issued a statement on today’s U.S. Senate vote to extend the Federal Medical Assistance Percentages (FMAP), including $500 million or more for Illinois’ Medicaid program. The legislation also provides education funding for jobs for teachers throughout the country, including $400 million or more for Illinois. The proposal now goes to the U.S. House of Representatives, which is expected to vote on it next week.

Governor Quinn said:

“I salute the U.S. Senate for extending crucial Medicaid funding and for helping keep teachers in classrooms across Illinois and the nation.

I especially want to thank Sen. Dick Durbin for his steady leadership and continued efforts to extend funding that will keep and create jobs here in Illinois. Today’s vote shows that the U.S. Senate understands the unprecedented fiscal challenges that states continue to face.

I am confident that the U.S. House of Representatives will act quickly to pass this vital legislation that keeps so many people working in Illinois and across the country.”