Congressman Cohen Backs Democratic Budget Plan

“I was proud today to vote for the Democratic budget because it meets some of the most important priorities of the people of the 9th District,” said Congressman Cohen. “This budget will restore fiscal responsibility in Washington which has run amok under the current administration. Our budget plan will cut taxes for middle income families, invest in small businesses and create jobs. It also restores our infrastructure and funds educational initiatives that will help our children succeed – all while balancing the budget.”

The Democratic budget:

• rejects the failed fiscal policies of the Bush Administration. It returns the budget to balance – reaching a surplus of $22 billion in 2012 and $10 billion in 2013.

• responds to soaring energy costs by helping promote renewable energy, clean fuel technology, and energy efficiency.

• makes education and innovation investments that will generate economic growth and jobs, make college more affordable, improve student achievement, and reverse the Bush Administration’s under-funding of education.

• invests in our nation’s infrastructure – repairing crumbling roads, bridges, transit, airports, and schools.

• does not include any tax increase. To the contrary, it supports significant tax relief, including extension of marriage penalty relief, the child tax credit, and the 10 percent bracket, as well as allowing for estate tax reform. It includes an additional year of Alternative Minimum Tax relief. And it provides for property tax relief, energy and education tax relief, and extenders.

• makes our country safer by providing robust funding for national defense and ensuring that resources are available to address the most critical threats facing the nation. It ensures that veterans get the quality health care they need and deserve. It also protects the homeland and rejects the President’s cuts in law enforcement, the COPS program, firefighters, and other first responders.

“American families have to balance their checkbooks and now the Congress will do the same,” added Congressman Cohen. “Under the Bush Administration, the size of government has exploded and our national debt has spiraled out of control. This plan will balance our budget while meeting the demands of our progressive agenda.”

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Contact:
Marilyn Dillihay, Press Secretary, 202-225-3265
Charlie Gerber, Communications Assistant, 202-225-3265