Rep. Napolitano Speaks Out against Republican Budget

(Washington, D.C.) - Today, Rep. Grace F. Napolitano voted against the Republican budget plan for fiscal year 2011, which passed the U.S. House of Representatives, and released the following statement:

“This Republican budget would hurt working families and eliminate the investments we need to create jobs. It would replace Medicare with a voucher system, increasing the costs and risks of health care for seniors. It would also reduce Medicaid, which provides medical services for millions of seniors and lower-income families. Pell grants, which make it possible for many of our children to go to college, would be cut almost in half. In Los Angeles County, where efficient transportation is critical for our economy, transportation cuts would limit public transit, undermine railroad safety, and eliminate thousands of jobs in construction that rely on building and maintaining our roadways.

“This same budget includes a trillion dollars in tax cuts for the very wealthiest Americans, and keeps tax breaks in place for companies that move jobs overseas. To end Medicare and reduce social services while providing benefits for those who are already prosperous would be unfair, unjust, and bad for the economy.

“We are in a recession. What we need are investments that create jobs and provide opportunities, not another set of burdens for struggling families. Democrats have proposed several alternatives that would reduce the deficit and keep critical economic investments intact. Unfortunately, the Republican budget plan that passed today is not a ‘path to prosperity’ but a road to ruin. I urge the Senate to reject this bill and take up a budget that benefits all of America.”