WASHINGTON, DC (February 18, 2010) – Rep. Jan Schakowsky, D-IL, released the following statement in response to President Obama’s Executive Order that creates a budget task force which is charged with addressing America’s deficit.

“I appreciate President Obama’s leadership in addressing the long-term fiscal challenges we face, which are in large part due to the Bush Administration’s policies of tax cuts for the rich and unfunded wars.  I believe we need to look at how to eliminate waste and inefficiency in government programs, close tax loopholes that benefit companies that are taking American jobs overseas, and bring down the deficit overall.  However, we must do so in a way that keeps our commitment to seniors by protecting Medicare and Social Security benefits, ensures that the Medicaid system remains strong, and continues to make critical investments that will push our economy on a path towards recovery.”