CONGRESSWOMAN JOHNSON AND CONGRESSIONAL BLACK CAUCUS TO INTRODUCE BUDGET SUBSTITUTE THAT IS FISCALLY AND MORALLY RESPONSIBLE

CONGRESSWOMAN JOHNSON AND CONGRESSIONAL BLACK CAUCUS TO INTRODUCE BUDGET SUBSTITUTE THAT IS FISCALLY AND MORALLY RESPONSIBLE

Washington, DC – (March 12, 2008) Today, Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson, Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) Chairwoman Carolyn Kilpatrick, and Robert C. “Bobby” Scott (VA-3) will offer an alternative to the Democratic budget on behalf of the CBC.

“We are in a position to adopt a budget that is both socially and fiscally responsible, and speaks directly to the needs of our citizens. By repealing many of the tax cuts and bolstering programs that will provide more equitable access to social and economic programs for all Americans, the CBC offers a more comprehensive budget for the country,” Congresswoman Johnson said.

Congresswoman Johnson took the lead on introducing vital provisions to the budget concerning science, technology and transportation issues. This funding will provide for critical infrastructure needs across the country, airport improvements and programs such as the Minority Business Resource Center. Additionally, funding for the science and technology fields will address access to higher education, enrichment programs in STEM fields, and spur critical research and development to meet the needs of country.

The backbone of the budget is designed to fund programs and services vital to the American people rather than continuing to provide tax cuts to those who need it least. By repealing several of the tax cuts implemented under the Republican administration that primarily impact the portion of a household’s income over $200,000, the CBC budget provides robust funding for much needed programs and services such as health care for uninsured children, education and job training programs, Veterans’ benefits and services and an expanded G.I. Bill for Post-9/11 Veterans, juvenile justice prevention and intervention programs, the Global AIDS initiative, community and regional development, public housing, the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), the Army Corps of Engineers, and Homeland Security needs such as the Port Security Grant Program and grants for First Responders.

“I ask that Members of this body listen to their conscience. We are in a position to prevent funding atrocities to infiltrate and demise progress. This nation’s budget cannot be based on one party’s sole agenda; we cannot allow societal factors to divide us and irresponsible spending or unconscionable tax cuts to define us,” Congresswoman Johnson stated.

The CBC budget will be the first item to be debated on the House Floor Thursday morning.