Senate Democrats Host Meeting With Bipartisan Group of Mayors

mayor1 Discussion focused on potentially devastating effects of sequestration on municipalities, infrastructure, and immigration reform

Washington, D.C. - Looming sequestration effects on cities and metropolitan areas, immigration reform, and municipal infrastructure and bonds were the focus of a discussion today between a bipartisan group of mayors from the United States Conference of Mayors (USCM) and Senate Democrats. The meeting was hosted by the Democratic Steering and Outreach Committee (DSOC), chaired by Senator Mark Begich (AK).

With tomorrow’s sequestration deadline on the horizon, mayors from Las Cruces, New Mexico to Miramar, Florida emphasized the need for lawmakers to find a bipartisan and balanced approach that facilitates economic growth in the nation’s cities and metropolitan areas. Unless Congress is willing to work together to replace these automatic cuts with a balanced package that cuts wasteful spending and closes special interest loopholes, cities and metro areas will bear a significant burden of the across-the-board cuts – resulting in 750,000 job losses.

When Washington makes massive spending cuts, our nation’s mayors have to deal with the consequences at the local level, said Senator Begich. “What I heard today is that local mayors understand the importance of fiscal discipline but that they believe the automatic budget are ill-conceived, will hurt the economy, and will negatively impact small businesses.  I agree with their concerns and am working to ensure that Washington puts politics aside and produces a sensible, bi-partisan solution.”

Photos From The Meeting Can Be Found HERE

About the Senate Democratic Steering & Outreach Committee

The Senate Democratic Steering and Outreach Committee is dedicated to fostering dialogue between Senate Democrats and community leaders from across the nation. Each year, the Steering Committee hosts several meetings with advocates, policy experts, and elected officials to discuss key priorities and enlist their help in the development of the Democratic agenda in the Senate. We are committed to serving as a liaison between Senate Democratic offices and advocacy groups and intergovernmental organizations. The Steering Committee is one of three Democratic Leadership Committees in the Senate. The Steering Committee is chaired by Senator Mark Begich (AK) and vice chaired by Senator Jeanne Shaheen (NH).

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