Votes Expected On Stimulus Compromise

A compromise reached on the stimulus bill this week by members of the House and Senate is set for a vote in both houses of Congress Friday. Like the overall plan, funding for people with disabilities is lower in the compromise bill than in versions previously passed by the House and Senate.

The compromise plan includes a $250 one-time stimulus payment for SSI recipients, down from previous proposals of $300 and $450.

Funding for special education is now listed at $12.2 billion, down from $13 billion.

The total cost of the compromise package is $790 billion, less than the $838 billion in the Senate version and $819 billion in the House version.

To go into effect, both the House and the Senate must pass an identical version of the bill and it must be signed by the president. Lawmakers would like the bill to be completed before the Presidents Day holiday this Monday.

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Previous stories on this topic:

Stimulus Passes Senate With Special Ed. Funding, SSI Payments (February 10, 2009)

House Passes Stimulus Plan (January 28, 2009)

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)