Government Funding, Deficit Reduction Remain Top Priorities in Washington - April 12, 2011

Budgetary matters continue to dominate the political discussion at both ends of Pennsylvania Ave., with last Friday's midnight deal on a six-month fiscal year (FY) 2011 Continuing Resolution expected to pass both chambers this week, and President Obama expected to deliver a major speech this Wednesday on deficit reduction strategy. In addition, the House is expected to pass a FY 2012 budget resolution this Thursday, largely on party lines, with $771 billion in Medicaid cuts and a repeal of critical elements of the Affordable Care Act. It is critical that your House Members hear from you before Thursday about the impact of the House budget proposal on safety net health systems and their patients. Urge your House delegation to vote against the FY 2012 budget resolution. NAPH sent an alert last week with talking points for you to use when you contact your delegation.

While budget activity has been quieter in the Senate, discussions continue among the 'Gang of Six' on ways to reduce the deficit reduction and curb entitlement spending. This bipartisan group of senators (led by Senators Mark Warner (D-Va.) and Saxby Chambliss (R-Ga.) ) is said to be considering policy options that include spending cuts and revenue increases, an apparent non-starter for House Budget Committee Chairman Paul Ryan (R-Wisc.), whose budget has been deemed "dead on arrival" in the Senate. NAPH is continuing its outreach to key House Members involved in the budget debate and will update you on additional opportunities to share the safety net message in the coming days and weeks.