Christine Gregoire
Washington Governor Christine Gregoire is optimistic she won’t have to make deep cuts to state programs following a key Senate vote on additional federal Medicaid dollars.
The Senate voted 61-38 Wednesday morning to advance the bill, and is expected to vote on it later Wednesday or Thursday. It would extend programs enacted in last year’s stimulus law to help preserve the jobs of tens of thousands of teachers and other public employees.
Gregoire says the money ensures that Washington and other states “will not be forced to make drastic cuts that would have harmed both our citizens and our economic recovery.”
Once passed by the Senate, it would then return to the House for a final vote that would deliver it to President Barack Obama for his signature. (AP)
