Economic stimulus package

Policy & Practice, March, 2008 by Larry Goolsby

Congress reconvened in January amid intense discussion of an economic stimulus package to help soften the impact of the accelerating downturn, characterized by declining home prices, tightened credit, increased joblessness, stock market turmoil, and other signs of economic Weakness. With several human service programs receiving prominent attention as possible pack age components, APHSA weighed in quickly with the priorities state human service agencies would like to see in the package.

APHSA urged Congress to include increased Medicaid matching funds; to extend current moratoriums on recent Medicaid regulations that could restrict funding for many state programs; and to boost Food Stamp Program benefits, among other suggestions. APHSA noted that because of the intense publicity and interest that would probably accompany the food stamp increase, states should receive enhanced matching funds to help mitigate the administrative impact of the change.