Following recent action by the U.S. Senate, the House of Representatives followed suit and passed H.R. 1586, the amended legislation now containing the so-called “Jobs Bill” that extends support for state Medicaid programs and for local school systems. Today, President Obama signed the bill into law.

From the Washington Post coverage:

In the Washington area, where budget troubles have forced school boards to freeze salaries, trim programs or cut staff, the bill would provide about $70 million for the District, $450 million for Maryland and $540 million for Virginia, according to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities. Maryland’s schools superintendent, Nancy S. Grasmick, said the “money will be helpful” in reducing class sizes and rehiring reading teachers and other specialists.

By most accounts, the Maryland effects will include some $280 million for Medicaid, and $170 million to public education. (Update: Recent information provided through NACo offers added support for these estimates)

See a summary here of the legislation’s complete effects.

August 12 Daily Record Article on Medicaid Portion of the Bill