Congress held one of its most important votes of the year last week.  Republicans rounded up just enough votes to cut spending for vital health and education programs.  The margin was 217-215 with all Democrats voting against this assault on the most vulnerable Americans.

 

I strongly opposed the Republican budget because it does not reflect the values of the Inland Empire.   It includes deep cuts in services vital to our state’s families.  Republicans claim that these spending cuts are needed to pay for rebuilding after Hurricane Katrina, but their budgets have run up record deficits while rebuilding Iraq.  In fact, Republicans still plan to give away even more money in tax cuts for millionaires, so the Republican budget actually increases the federal deficit.

 

Father Paul Granillo from San Bernardino gave the opening prayer for the House of Representatives on November 17, encouraging Congress to “be generous toward our sisters and brothers who hunger for food, medicine, education and justice.” Sadly Republicans hardened their hearts and failed to listen to this call for social justice.  Just after midnight, they removed a safety net for vulnerable American families.

 

Although hunger in America has grown for five straight years, the Republican budget slashes funding for the Food Stamp Program.  These cuts will affect 220,000 families, mostly those with children, including more than 11,000 working poor families in California who will lose their food stamp benefits.  Thanksgiving will not be so happy for these families, and the days that follow will be even worse.  Non-profit agencies and church groups are now reporting food shortages and unable to meet the demand for help.

 

Although college tuition is skyrocketing, the Republican budget slashes student loans by more than $14 billion, the largest cut in history.   Almost half a million students in California borrow for college.  Rising interest rates and fees will increase costs for them and their parents, making it more difficult and more expensive to attend school.  And that does not even factor in tuition hikes of up to 10% for University of California students.  Younger students will also be hurt.  Under the budget House Republicans are fighting to enact, funding for reading and math assistance would be cut by $81.5 million for the disadvantaged students of California.  Education is essential for our strength and prosperity.  Instead of cutting funds, we should be investing more in our children and our future.  

 

Although the number of families with no health insurance is growing, the Republican budget slashes Medicaid by $11 billion, which will have a severe impact on the 9 million children, seniors and others in California who rely on Medicaid for health care. 

 

Instead of canceling or merely delaying tax cuts for their rich cronies, Republicans want only middle class and working Americans to make sacrifices.  Our military families are also making sacrifices, especially the brave soldiers in Iraq.  Let’s prioritize rebuilding America’s cities and helping our people.

 

What happened to compassionate conservatives?  These budget cuts are immoral and mean-spirited.  Taking food away from hungry, poor children is not compassionate.  It is plain wrong.  What happened to “family values”?  Cutting tens of billions of dollars from Medicaid and student loans hurts American families.  Health care and education will be more expensive and less available.

 

Clearly, California and America as a whole simply can’t afford the Republican budget– which will give tax breaks to millionaires while harming college students, children, mothers, working families, the hungry and the homeless.  This flawed and misguided budget does not reflect our priorities or our values.  America can do better – and we must.