"In his State of the Union address last night the president called for investment in math and science education so we can better compete in the technology sector. And today, he and the Republican leadership are advancing a bill that includes $12.7 billion in student loans to provide tax cuts for the wealthy. Which is it, Mr. President? Investment in education or more tax cuts for the investor-class?

"This legislation reveals the true priorities of the president and Republican leadership. It attempts to balance the budget on the backs of students, seniors, and low-income Americans to make way for more tax cuts for those who earn over $300,000 a year. Today’s legislation makes $40 billion in mandatory cuts from critical programs such as student financial aid, health care, child support and food and nutrition programs to make way for $70 billion more in tax cuts for the wealthiest among us. Despite the Republican rhetoric about deficit reduction, their budget plans will actually increase the deficit, not lower it. What happened to family values and fiscal conservatism?"