Fed stimulus passes, AZ closer to budget solutions

US Treasury in Washington.

PHOENIX -- A federal stimulus package that passed the U.S. House of Representatives today brings Arizona closer to 2009-2010 budget solutions that spare deep cuts to education and health care.

The U.S. House passed an $819 billion economic stimulus package today that will decrease the state’s deficit, jump start economic growth and generate thousands of jobs nationwide.

Arizona is slotted to receive $1 billion in federal stimulus money in state FY2009, specifically in education, child care, Food Stamps Administration and Federal Medical Assistance Percentage, according to the Center on Budget Policy and Priorities. Next week, the U.S. Senate will vote on its version.

“House Democrats have always considered this as an option, and now the legislature is one step closer to solving the state budget crisis while ensuring protection for education and health care for children and middle-class families in Arizona,” said Arizona House Democratic Leader David Lujan.

Upon resolution of the 2009 budget, House Democrats will work in a bipartisan way and advocate for utilization of additional federal stimulus funds for the 2010 budget.

RELATED: from US Congressman Raul M. Grijalva (D-AZ7).