House Passes Stimulus Plan

(Updated: January 29, 2009 at 10:29 AM CT)

The House of Representatives approved a $819 billion economic stimulus package Wednesday evening, which includes funding for special education and a one-time stimulus payment for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients.

The bill still must be considered by the full Senate, which is expected to happen Monday. It’s widely believed that there will be differences between the Senate and House plans that will have to be hashed out in a conference committee.

One key difference between the two plans is the amount of money proposed as a one-time stimulus payment for SSI recipients. The House bill includes about $450 per person, while the Senate proposal includes just $300.

There is $13 billion in funding allotted for special education in both the House and Senate versions as well as $87 billion in temporary Medicaid increases to go to the states.

Once the bill is passed by both the House and the Senate, it must be signed by President Barack Obama in order to become law. Obama is actively supporting passage of the stimulus package.

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Previous stories on this topic:

Senate Stimulus Proposal Less Promising For Those With Disabilities (January 23, 2009)

Disabilities Front And Center On Obama’s To-Do List (January 21, 2009)

Stimulus Proposal Offers Payment, Aid To People With Disabilities (January 16, 2009)