SENATE SUPPORTS SPECIAL OLYMPICS IN IDAHO

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The United States Senate approved the Fiscal Year 2008 Labor-HHS-Education Appropriations bill last night.  Idaho Senators Larry Craig and Mike Crapo supported the measure and applauded several projects important to Idaho.

Central to the bill is the support of the 2009 Special Olympics World Winter Games, to be held in Idaho.  The bill provides $3 million - the taxpayer portion of the $23 million budget.  It will be used for:  housing, meals, security, communications, education, facility rentals, and transportation. 

Craig, Honorary Chairman of the Games, said, "Idaho is proud to host these games, and we are striving to ensure that the 'little things' are taken care of so that the athletes, coaches, families, and friends can focus on the Games and all they stand for." 

Additionally, the bill provides for education and healthcare infrastructure projects in Idaho.

Crapo said, "I applaud the Senate's recognition of Idaho's many cutting-edge education and health care institutions.  By passing this bill, we are helping to build on the outstanding work of Idaho's universities, hospitals, and education programs that directly add value to the lives of all Idahoans and Americans.  I am pleased to be a champion of these initiatives."  

Healthcare Infrastructure

  ·          North Idaho Rural Health Consortium ($250,000) ·          Cooperative Telehealth Network at Portneuf Medical Center ($250,000)

·          St. Luke's Regional Medical Center Children's Hospital facilities and equipment ($200,000)

·          Gritman Medical Center information technology upgrades ($250,000)

·          Franklin County Medical Center facilities and equipment ($250,000)

·          St. Alphonsus Regional Medical Center facilities and equipment ($250,000)  

Education

  ·          University of Idaho Gateway to Math program ($200,000)  ·          Children's Home Society of Idaho, the Bridge Project for foster children ($250,000)

·          Lewis-Clark State College American Indian Students in Leadership of Education ($250,000)

·          Idaho Women Work! program at Eastern Idaho Technical College ($150,000)

·          Albertson College of Idaho library technology upgrades ($350,000)

·          Northwest Nazarene University new nursing facility equipment ($350,000)

The bill now goes to a Conference Committee to resolve differences with the House.  Craig was named last night to serve as a member of the Conference Committee.