Rep. Whitmer offered the following concurrent resolution:

            House Concurrent Resolution No. 50.

            A concurrent resolution to memorialize the Congress of the United States to provide for an extension of federal assistance to the states to address Medicaid costs.

            Whereas, Across the country, state governments have faced deep and prolonged financial challenges during the national economic slowdown.  Although there are many facets to the fiscal problems the states have experienced, a key factor has been increasing burdens the states bear in administering Medicaid.  Michigan, with a Medicaid caseload that has risen with our high unemployment, has felt a substantial strain because of the health costs of Medicaid; and

            Whereas, In 2003, Congress and the President enacted a temporary federal relief package.  Under this temporary legislation, the federal government increased its share of Medicaid program funding costs.  This package was of great benefit to the states and to our entire country, as more severe cuts to Medicaid or essential state programs were avoided; and

            Whereas, With a February 2004 Medicaid caseload of 1.4 million, including an increase of 11,000 new cases, Michigan remains in a very difficult financial situation.  Of the estimated budgetary shortfall of approximately $1 billion for the next fiscal year, half of this amount is expected to be from the loss of federal Medicaid funds; and

            Whereas, Health care facilities in Michigan, as well as those across the country, are concerned about their ability to maintain a proper level of care without a renewal of additional federal funding to address Medicaid costs; and

            Whereas, The federal relief extended to the states represents one of the most effective means not only to provide needed health care, but also to stimulate the economy; now, therefore, be it

            Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate concurring), That we memorialize the Congress of the United States to provide for an extension of federal assistance to the states to address Medicaid costs; and be it further

            Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to the President of the United States Senate, the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, and the members of the Michigan congressional delegation.