House and Senate Completing the FY 2010 LHHS Appropriations Process

The House Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies (LHHS) Appropriations Subcommittee and full Appropriations Committee have passed FY 2010 LHHS appropriations. The Senate LHHS Subcommittee marked up FY 2010 appropriations on July 28, and the full Appropriations Committee is expected to vote this afternoon.

Both the House and Senate approved $3.229 million in funding for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) Vision Health Initiative for FY 2010. Prevent Blindness America is proud of the 34% increase the Vision Health Initiative received under FY 2009 appropriations. The small increase for FY 2010 is not surprising given the current economic climate. We will continue to work hard to grow this important program as we seek to preserve sight and prevent blindness.

I would like to thank our grassroots advocates for sending over 1300 advocate emails to House and Senate Members on behalf of our FY 2010 appropriations request for the Vision Health Initiative. Thank you vision advocates!