Michelle Diament reports at Disability Scoop that most federal programs will at least break even under the $1.1 trillion budget deal moving through Congress.
The plan was approved by the U.S. House of Representatives late Thursday, as the federal government’s existing budget was set to expire at midnight. Lawmakers also passed a temporary measure to give the U.S. Senate time to vote on the legislation that would fund most federal activities through Sept. 30, 2015.
Following years of belt-tightening in Washington, advocates say that just maintaining steady funding for disability programs offers some relief.
“Most of the programs that we track that support people with disabilities got level funding which we continue to say in this environment is a victory,” said Jennifer Dexter, assistant vice president of government relations at Easter Seals.
Under the deal, funding available to states under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act will rise $25 million and vocational rehabilitation will increase $33 million. Other programs expected to see an increase include housing assistance, support for postsecondary programs for those with intellectual disabilities as well as autism and developmental disabilities efforts at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
