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Press Release

For more information: Suellen Galbraith, 703-535-7850

ANCOR CONGRATULATES SENATE BIPARTISAN EFFORTS TO PROVIDE MUCH NEEDED FISCAL RELIEF AND MEDICAID ASSISTANCE TO STATES

Senators Collins, Rockefeller, Smith and Nelson Warrant Providers Deep Appreciation In Preserving Medicaid Health and Long-Term Supports, Jobs, and Business Activity

Washington, DC; May 23, 2003: The American Network of Community Options and Resources (ANCOR) and its 700 private providers of community living and employment supports to more than 360,000 individuals with disabilities extends its gratitude to Senators Collins (R-ME), Rockefeller (D-WV), Smith (R-OR), and Nelson (D-NE) for their unwavering commitment to send immediate, temporary Federal financial assistance to help the financially strapped states preserve health care and long term supports to people with disabilities.

For two years ANCOR has urged the Congress to address the growing budget shortfalls of the states. This year, with the states facing the worst fiscal environment since World War II, ANCOR and its private providers have seen the mounting shortfalls usher in a Medicaid crisis in many states-threatening the life sustaining supports of many children and adults with mental retardation and other disabilities.

In what was the third vote in the Senate in the past nine months on additional Federal Medicaid assistance to states, Senators Collins, Rockefeller, Smith and Nelson demonstrated their commitment last week-and were joined by 91 Senators-in insisting that $20 billion in state fiscal relief with a minimum of $10 billion for temporary, increased Federal Medicaid assistance be included in any final tax relief package. ANCOR applauds their steadfast stance during Congressional negotiations this week to ensure the inclusion of this state fiscal relief.

Their bipartisan leadership will help mitigate state responses to the crisis by reducing eligibility, services and supports, and quality under the nation's primary source of funding for long-term supports and health services to individuals with disabilities and the elderly. In addition, the Medicaid relief will help maintain employment and assist with the growing crisis in the direct support professional workforce. By helping to stabilize and create jobs, the additional state fiscal relief will add to the business activity of communities throughout the nation.

ANCOR extends its deepest appreciation to Senators Collins, Rockefeller, Smith and Nelson for their dedication to helping people with disabilities and to Senate Finance Chairman Grassley (R-IA) and Majority Leader Frist (R-TN) for their leadership in making sure this Federal relief became a reality.

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