The Family Access Network got some breathing room Wednesday when the U.S. House voted to keep certain federal funding alive for another year.

The bill prevents new Medicaid rules, proposed by the Bush administration in January, from going into effect. The rules would have cut Medicaid funding to Oregon by an estimated $163 million in 2009, according to the Oregon Department of Human Services.

FAN helps poor children and families and Central Oregon schools. Of FAN’s $1.06 million budget for 2007-08, $650,000 is from Medicaid.

“(The vote) really buys us just two-thirds of our funding, and we’re still in a precarious position,” said FAN Director Julie Lyche. “But this pushes us back for a year and allows more time to look at a sustainable model.”

The 349-62 vote was overwhelming enough to override a veto that President Bush has promised. The bill also is expected to pass the U.S. Senate.

All five members of the Oregon delegation in the House, including U.S. Rep. Greg Walden, R-Hood River, voted to support the moratorium.

FAN employs 22 advocates who work at 41 public schools throughout the Bend-La Pine, Redmond and Sisters school districts. They work with children and families in need to identify social service help, including clothing and rental assistance.

— Patrick Cliff