Earlier this afternoon, the Senate approved the American Workers, State, and Business Relief Act of 2010 (HR 4213) by a vote of 62-36. The measure includes a one-year extension of $31 billion in temporary tax cuts and longer-term extensions for unemployment insurance benefits and COBRA subsidies to help jobless workers afford health insurance. Perhaps most importantly for states, the legislation also includes a six-month extension of the Recovery Act’s enhanced Medicaid funding provisions with a new requirement that governors certify that the additional funding is needed. On Tuesday, March 9, the Senate voted 66-34 to cut off debate, clearing the way for the final vote today. It is uncertain at this time what action the House will take in regards to the legislation.