President Barack Obama on Tuesday signed a $26 billion state aid package that includes an estimated $435.8 million in education and Medicaid assistance for Tennessee and $550.3 million in similar help for Georgia.
Earlier in the day, U.S. House members voted 247-161 to pass the $26 billion measure, designed to help save the jobs of teachers and employees in cash-strapped states. Senators approved the bill last week.
Federal figures show some $240 million coming to Tennessee in enhanced Medicaid funding. That’s less than the $341.6 million state officials expected, but it still frees up state money to be spent in other areas.
Another $195.8 million would help K-12 education systems keep teachers on the job or rehire laid-off personnel.
Georgia would see $228 million in enhanced Medicaid money and $322.3 million for education, records show.