For immediate release: February 4, 2008
Contact: (202) 225-4761
Eric Wortman, Communications Director
Rick Palacio, Deputy Communications Director
Rep. Salazar Statement on the President’s 2009 Budget
Bush Budget Proposes Cuts to LIHEAP, Medicare
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. John T. Salazar (CO-03) issued the following statement regarding the President’s Fiscal Year 2009 Budget that was released today:
“I will work hard with my colleagues to put forward a fiscally responsible budget that tackles the president’s debt and focuses on Colorado’s priorities, like reinvigorating the economy, increasing access to health care, and helping my constituents make ends meet with rising grocery and fuel costs.
“The president’s budget proposes to cut health care for senior citizens and the poor, education programs, and even the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LEAP). I firmly believe now is the worst time – when wages are down and more Americans are struggling to pay their bills – to cut assistance for those who need it most.
“Thousands of Coloradans rely on the LEAP program each year to help pay their heating bills and keep their power turned on. This year, the San Luis Valley and Gunnison County have often been the coldest places in the lower 48 states this year. I will not allow this president to cut assistance that so many rely upon.”
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