Some of the proposed changes include:
-
Making permanent the tax cuts of 2001 -
70% of which benefited the top 20% of U.S. citizens
-
The elimination of block grants that aid
poor communities
-
Making it more difficult for working poor
families with children to be on Medicaid
-
A $355 million cut to programs that
promote safe and drug-free schools
-
An 11% cut to housing and urban
development programs
-
The elimination of 48 educational
programs
-
The elimination of funding for vocational
education
As we have said many times, budgets are
moral documents. Paying attention to the poorest among us
is arguably the most central biblical imperative. Making
permanent the tax cuts that benefit the richest among us
is not a biblically ordained strategy.
Moreover, the president's proposed cuts
and changes to low-income programs will not succeed in
reducing the federal deficit. Reports released by the
Center on Budget and Policy Priorities show that tax
legislation and defense spending have done far more to
increase the budget deficit than spending on domestic
programs.
When considering a document as important
as this one, it is imperative that Congress take time to
consider its impact on people living in poverty. Urge your
members of Congress to consider this budget's effect on
the poor.
Sources:
The Washington Post:
2006 Budget Proposal: Agency Breakdown
The New York Times:
Bush Unveils Budget that Favors Security Over Social
Spending
The Center for Budget and Policy Priorities:
CBO Data Show Tax Cuts Have Played Much Larger Role than
Domestic Spending Increases in Fueling the Deficit
