Congressman Salazar: We Cannot Pass Debt Burden onto Backs of Farmers and Veterans

WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman John Salazar (CO-3) released the following statement today on the President’s proposed budget, which would cut funding to key agriculture and community development programs and deny promised benefits to veterans and military widows.

“I’ve been running the family ranch for several years and I know what it means to work within a budget. You may have to count your pennies, but you spend your money where it matters most to you and your community. Our nation’s agriculture is the backbone of our economy. And our servicemen and women are fighting to protect our way of life. We cannot allow our farm communities and military families to be neglected.

“I support capping payments to large, international corporate farms, but we must make the distinction between those who abuse government programs and honest, family farmers.  The majority of farms in the third Congressional district are family owned and operated and we must continue funding for programs that keep farmers on the land. 

“Research and education will help us grow and develop new technologies. It is shortsighted to cut agriculture research programs by $350 million. And our local schools may be devastated by the proposed $30 million cut in Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILT). Rural counties depend on PILT funding to make up for lost tax revenue.

“When our men and women are risking their lives overseas, we cannot complain about tightening our belts. In fact, we need to direct our resources towards meeting the promises we have made to our veterans, servicemen, and their families. It is unconscionable to pass the fiscal burden onto veterans by raising co-payments and fees for VA health care. And it is morally wrong to deny promised benefits to families who have lost their loved ones during the war.

“As a Member of Congress, I want to see a return to fiscal responsibility, and agree with the President that we must reduce the deficit.  Before making our decisions, we need to look at all the numbers. This budget accounts for only $1 of every $5 spent on federal programs. We must get a full accounting of our expenses before making any drastic cuts.

“A decision to make management more efficient at the expense of care and services just doesn’t make any sense. And we cannot pass the burden of the deficit onto the backs of our farmers and veterans.”