Budgets that Giveth and Taketh Away:
FY 2011 & FY 2012
There's a lot happening on Capitol Hill right now and it's bound to be confusing. It is clear, however, that many programs integral to the lives of those experiencing homelessness are at risk, and your voice is needed to protect them. Below is a breakdown of the FY 2011 budget and the actions needed now, as well as highlights from the President's FY 2012 budget proposal. |
The Remainder of FY 2011
No FY 2011 Appropriations Bills have yet passed, and the federal government is still operating at FY 2010 levels under a Continuing Resolution set to expire on March 4, 2011. If Congress does not pass a budget (or another Continuing Resolution) prior to that date, the government will shut down. House Leadership has drafted a bill (H.R. 1) that proposes to cut spending by $61 billion from current levels for the remainder of FY 2011 (March 4 to September 30). This bill includes a significant cut to health centers ($1.3 billion) as well as reductions in many other important programs that serve low income populations. Highlights of the bill can be found here.
What happens now: H.R. 1 is scheduled to be debated on the House floor through Thursday. Dozens of amendments are likely to be offered, and further cuts to the budget are possible. The House will then pass the amended bill (possibly Thursday evening), and send it to the Senate for consideration. The Senate has stated they will not accept this level of cuts, but the funding levels contained in H.R. 1 will certainly influence the final compromise worked out between the House and Senate. We need your help to maintain existing health center funding. |
TAKE ACTION
Call your Representative today and urge him/her to reject the cuts to health centers. There still is opportunity to amend H.R. 1 for better or worse and your Representative needs to hear from you. Call the Congressional switchboard directly to get connected to your House representative at 1-877-210-5351 or go to www.house.gov.
Forward this to your staff, Board, friends and family so they might also make a call.
Four major reasons to protect health center funding:
- Health centers reduce health system expenditures and public entitlement costs by reducing preventable ambulatory and hospital-based care.
- Health centers create jobs and generate economic activity.
- Health centers are needed more than ever.
- HCH projects promote access care for a vulnerable population.
Additional materials for your call:
National HCH Council funding request
National Association of Community Health Center talking points
NACHC impact of cuts state by state |
The Beginning of FY 2012
The President released his proposed budget for FY 2012 on Monday. This budget is the starting point for the debate over federal spending for the fiscal year (starting October 1, 2011 and ending September 30, 2012). This proposed budget is only a guide, and Congress will hold hearings, develop its own budget resolution, and ultimately draft Appropriations bills that determine the final funding levels. Many changes are likely to occur in the coming months that will depart from the President's original submission.
President's FY2012 Budget Proposal Highlights:
· Health centers: $2.12 billion + $1.2 billion in ACA (+$1.1 billion net).
· Health Care for the Homeless (based on 8.7% of health centers): $176 million + 104 million in ACA (+$11 million net)
· National Health Service Corps: $25 million + $295 million in ACA (-$11 million net)
· Ryan White: $2.38 billion (+$90 million)
· PATH: $65 million (no change)
· Grants for the Benefit of Homeless Individuals (formerly THP): $47 million (+$4 million)
· Housing and Services for Homeless Persons Demonstration: $16 million SAMHSA and $57 million HUD (new)
· National Housing Trust Fund: $1 billion (new)
· McKinney Vento: $2.37 billion (+$500 million)
The President's full budget proposal can be found here.
A select listing of targeted programs impacting homelessness is available from the Interagency Council on Homelessness here.
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