Media

Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (D-MD) announced today that Marylands Medicaid program will receive approximately $1.37 million in federal matching funds from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) for state planning activities necessary to implement the electronic health record (EHR) incentive program established by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

The economy added 290,000 jobs in April, which is good news for our recovery from recession and shows that employers and workers are starting to have some confidence in the economy. The number of jobs added last month was the highest in four years, and the vast majority of them were in the private sector.

The U.S. House passed theHome Star Energy Retrofit Act of 2010(HR 5019) today, legislation that will spur job growth in the construction, manufacturing, and retail industries by giving families incentives to make their homes more energy efficient.

The House of Representatives approved a resolution today sponsored by Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (D-MD) to allow the 69thannualGreater Washington Soap Box Derbyto be held on the grounds of the U.S. Capitol. This is the 20thyear Rep. Hoyer has sponsored the resolution, which draws youth from around the National Capital Region to compete in "the greatest amateur racing event in the world."

Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (D-Md.) applauded an announcement this week by the Department of Health and Human Services that it is moving early to implement the Early Retiree Reinsurance Program so employers can apply for assistance to help maintain coverage for early retirees age 55 and older who are not yet eligible for Medicare. The program will begin on June 1, 2010, in advance of the June 21 start date required by the Affordable Care Act, allowing more claims to qualify for reinsurance payments for plans this year.

Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (D-MD)announced today that theHuntingtown Volunteer Fire Department and Rescue Squad has been awarded $94,410 in federal grant funds through the 2009 Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program. The funding will be utilized for personal protective equipment and a Thermal Imaging Camera to enhance search capabilities through fire and smoke for trapped persons.