A provision in the president's fiscal year 2011 federal budget proposal would make non-profit hospitals eligible for Build America Bonds, a borrowing tool created by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. The budget proposal would make the bond program permanent and subsidize 28% of the borrowing costs. The BAB bonds could be used for capital projects, short-term working capital and bond refunding to save on interest costs. The economic downturn and disruptions in the capital markets have made it harder for hospitals to access capital.