Editor, The Herald:

On behalf of the individuals served by Crossroads Community Services Board in our residential and day support programs, we would like to recognize and thank Congressman Tom Perriello for his support for the extension of the Federal Medical Assistance Percentage (FMAP) and the Education Jobs Fund legislation (P.L. 111-226). This legislation provided funds to the states for school systems as well as to continue funding for Medicaid services.

In our case, Crossroads was scheduled to lose over $400,000 in Medicaid funding for day support and residential services for those persons with intellectual disabilities. This extension to June 30, 2011 restored around $300,000 to the agency's program. Without it day support and residential programs would have been reduced and individuals would go without additional services which enable them to live in the community.

Again thanks to Congressman Perriello as well as Senators Warner and Webb for supporting community services for persons with intellectual disabilities.

Will Rogers

Executive Director