In A Slowing Economy, Funding for Health Care is More Critical Than Ever

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman John Conyers, Jr. announced his opposition to President Bush’s Fiscal Year 2009 budget, which includes drastic cuts to critical services.

Conyers said, “In his final budget proposal, the President has simply offered more of the same: missed opportunities and misplaced priorities for America.  The President’s draconian budget cuts health care for seniors and working families, freezes lifesaving medical research, raises health care costs for veterans, and slashes energy assistance to low-income families -- all at a time of rising prices and a slowing economy.  The President also does not fully account for the true cost of the war in Iraq.”

The President’s budget is particularly egregious in the area of health care.  It proposes cuts to Medicaid totaling $24.7 billion over five years; fails to provide sufficient funding for children and families receiving S-CHIP; cuts Medicare by $252 billion while protecting wasteful health insurance company overpayments; raises Medicare premiums; and fails to address Medicare physician payment rates. 

Conyers added: “At this time of economic uncertainty, with more Americans than ever losing their health insurance or finding their coverage insufficient when they get sick, we should be increasing our investment in health care, not slashing it.”

The Bush budget continues the President’s legacy of fiscal irresponsibility, leaving behind a $407 billion deficit. When President Bush took office, the national debt stood at $5.7 trillion; it is projected to increase to $9.7 trillion by the time President Bush leaves office, up $4 trillion in eight years.  The five largest deficits in American history all have occurred under Bush Administration policies.

Conyers continued, “Our national budget should invest in our future and reflect the aspirations of the American people. I look forward to working with the Democratic leadership to create a budget that moves America forward by expanding health care, increasing energy assistance, and helping hard-working Americans find good jobs while restoring fiscal responsibility.”

###01-11-2007###