MOMENTUM BUILDS FOR $20 BILLION IN AID TO STATES SPONSORED BY SENS COLLINS, ROCKEFELLER, NELSON, AND SMITH

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Senator Susan Collins continues to garner support among her colleagues for a $20 billion dollar fiscal relief package to aid states whose budgets are crippled by escalating costs for Medicaid and other social services and declining revenues. The bill would increase the federal government's share of each state's Medicaid costs and provide block grants for social services.

Senator Collins's bill would provide $10 billion in designated Medicaid relief and $10 billion in social services block grants over 18 months. The bill would result in $128 million over 18 months for Maine.

At a meeting this morning with members of the Maine Municipal Association, Senator Collins reiterated her commitment to getting her fiscal relief bill passed and getting money to the states. She also announced the bill had the bi-partisan support of 22 of her Senate Colleagues.

"I've spoken to the President about this, and I've stated my strong belief that if we don't give state governments the support and fiscal relief they need, then we will see hundreds of thousands of people going without needed Medicaid and other social services," said Senator Collins.

Similar legislation was introduced by Senator Collins last year in July, and it passed the Senate with 75 votes. "The level of support was high then," said Senator Collins. "With state budget deficits having grown deeper, we anticipate an equal if not greater level of support now."

Senator Collins introduced her legislation with Senators Jay Rockefeller (D-WV), Ben Nelson (D-DE), and Gordon Smith (R-OR).

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