Are you (or someone you know) receiving Social Security disability benefits and interested in exploring your work options?

Do you have questions about work like these:

• Can I work and still keep my Social Security benefits?
• Can I work and keep my healthcare benefits?
• Who can help me understand how working will affect my benefits?
• Who can help me find a job?

If you or someone you know is on Social Security and wants to work but isn't sure how to get started, the WISE (Work Incentive Seminar Event) is the place to be!

The WISE will be held August 26 from 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm at the St. Luke's Community Health Education Center, 3333 Squalicum Parkway, Bellingham.

Space is limited, so please call toll free (877) 743-8237 or register online today. This is an accessible event. You may request a sign language interpreter or materials in alternate formats five days in advance by phone or online.

Legislation funds Medicaid, teachers

Last Tuesday, President Obama signed House Resolution 1586 into law, extending Federal Medical Assistance Program funding for another six months. Funding for the program, which helps states pay for Medicaid funding, would have ended on December 31st of this year. Governor Chris Gregoire, along with governors across the country, had lobbied strongly for the extension, as Washington state faced across the board cuts of 4-5% if the funding had not been renewed, including many services vital to the developmental disability community.
 
"I applaud the Senate for today's vote extending FMAP support to the states," said the Governor. "Moving forward on the FMAP extension means Washington, and many other states, will not be forced to make drastic cuts that would have harmed both our citizens and our economic recovery. The Senate heard that now is not the time to lay off thousands or to eliminate medical services for those who need it the most. Such actions would have been devastating to Washington state by slowing our recovery and potentially pushing us toward a double dip recession. It is important to note that in light of the economy states have already cut their budgets, in Washington state we've cut $5.1 billion from the state budget.

Of the $26 billion dollars called for by the bill, $16 billion would go to FMAP and the remaining $10 billion would go to providing educational assistance to the states, saving an estimated 3,000 teaching jobs in Washington alone.