Kagen Backs a Fiscally Responsible Economic Plan

Press Release

Media Contact:
Jake Rubin 202.225.5665

KAGEN  BACKS  A  FISCALLY  RESPONSIBLE  ECONOMIC  PLAN

April 29, 2009

“This budget plan is fiscally responsible and will enable us to work our way out of today’s recession,” said Kagen.  “I am working hard to invest our hard earned tax dollars in creating jobs and building an economy that works for all of us, while cutting our deficit over the long-term.”

The plan passed today makes strategic investments to rebuild our economy over the longer term – including investments in health care reform, education, and energy independence – and puts federal spending back on a path to fiscal sustainability.  It takes steps to reduce health care costs, one of the largest contributors to the deficit.  It contains key integrity initiatives to protect taxpayer money by rooting out waste, fraud and abuse and saves taxpayers nearly $50 billion.  This plan also marks the beginning of a new era of honesty in budgeting by accurately and openly representing costs like the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Previous Presidential budgets masked these costs to make the deficit appear smaller.

“We are taking the necessary steps for short-term and long-term economic prosperity.  Everyday the Recovery Act makes critical investments in our communities.  Today, we passed a plan for sustainable economic security by reducing spending and making targeted investments in areas that will grow our economy and create jobs like health care, energy, and education,” Kagen said.

This economic plan also reaffirms our commitment to our veterans by providing $53.4 billion in funding for veterans’ health care and services – $5.6 billion more than the 2009 level.

“Everyone must understand that this will take time.  The President inherited a record deficit of $5.8 trillion.  We are now moving in the right direction.  This plan in an honest and transparent outline for building a better future for all of us,” said the Congressman.