Leadership aides inside the House of Representatives have told media outlets that the chamber will take up, and presumably pass, a version of the Senate payroll tax-Medicare extender legislation. The measure, almost identical to a Senate passed resolution, will extend vital rural provisions for two months while congressional leaders work out a compromise for a year long measure. The measure will be slightly modified from the Senate passed measure to allow implementation of the short term tax provisions by payroll companies. The measure is contingent on support by members of the caucus but is expected to pass.
Thank you to all those who contacted their Senators and Representatives. Your action proved vital in making sure these provisions were included in the Senate package and will continue to be critical in the continuing fight for long-term extension. NRHA will continue to advocate for these extenders as the final, year-long package is negotiated.
These extenders are likely to be a hot topic of conversation in January, making attendance at the Rural Health Policy Institute a must. Information on registration is available at
http://www.ruralhealthweb.org/go/left/programs-and-events/nrha-conferences/policy-institute/
Please monitor
http://blog.ruralhealthweb.org and
http://www.facebook.com/ruralhealth for up-to-date information on this compromise and the future of the extenders.
by David Lee, Government Affairs