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WOOLSEY DISCUSSES PERSONAL HISTORY IN TOUTING A "DEAL FOR ALL" ON BUDGET AND SPENDING

Rep. Lynn Woolsey (D-Petaluma) released the following statement at a press conference on the Congressional Progressive Caucus’ “Deal for All”:

 “The Congressional Progressive caucus is offering a ‘Deal for All.’  The Republican Majority is interested in a special deal for a privileged few. 

 “Any budget deal at the end of this year must protect the middle class and reignite the American Dream, with the wealthiest 2% finally sharing the sacrifice and paying their fair share after more than a decade of Bush tax cuts.

 “Above all, that means protecting Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security – hugely popular bedrock programs that have sustained the middle class for generations. 

 “Let me tell you something.  My life’s story is direct testament to the fact that no one makes it alone, that the government must invest in its people, in their hopes and their aspirations. 

 “When I was a single mother struggling to keep my head above water, my fellow Americans were there to help me get back on my feet.  I didn’t want to go on public assistance, but I did it because I had to.  My husband was mentally ill, wouldn’t get help, spent all our money and walked out on us.

 “Before long, and because of the government support I received, I turned my life around.  Today my children are productive, successful members of their community.  The nation’s investment in my family has paid for itself many times over, I can assure you. 

 “In every community across the country, there are families like mine.  They work hard; they pay their taxes; they raise their children; they’re doing their very best. 

 “All they expect is that they’ll have some security when they retire.  Or that when they face some crisis or bad luck – a layoff or a family illness, for example – the government will be there with a helping hand. 

 “Those are the values I was taught.  That’s the America I believe in, one where my good fortune depends on yours, one where we all pitch in together for the common good – whether it’s the public schools, the roads our tax dollars build or the Social Security system that provides guaranteed retirement savings. 

 “Our philosophy says we’re all in this together and we’re only as strong as our most vulnerable people.  Our friends on the other side of the aisle have a different vision – every man and woman for himself; sink or swim; you’re on your own out there. 

 “They have a deal for some, a deal for the lucky and comfortable, a deal for those who will be just fine without another tax break.  We, the Congressional Progressive Caucus, believe in a ‘Deal for All.’”