|
Hagan statement on the president’s budget
Story Date: 2/14/2012
| |
Source: PRESS RELEASE, 2/13/12
U.S. Senator Kay R. Hagan today released a statement on the President’s proposed fiscal year 2013 budget.
“The President’s budget plan reinforces the urgent need to tackle our country’s twin economic challenges: boosting job creation and reducing our long-term deficits. Unfortunately, all the American people hear from Washington is partisan bickering, rather than constructive problem-solving. North Carolinians expect much more. With our debt and unemployment both at unsustainable rates, action, not talk, is what is needed.
“The President’s proposal makes key investments that support our middle class families and promote continued economic growth. Of immediate importance, the budget accounts for an extension of the payroll tax cut through the end of the year for 4.7 million North Carolinians. This extension would mean a savings of more than $1,000 for North Carolina families earning the median income.
“Without a doubt, cuts must be made, but we must make them wisely and responsibly. I will not support any budget plan that fails to meet our responsibilities to our seniors, our military veterans, and our future economic prosperity. Targeted investments in roads, bridges, railroads, broadband and other infrastructure; research and development; and education will ensure the United States remains the economic engine of the world.
“In particular, I am pleased that the President's budget invests $8 billion in one of my biggest priorities — community college job training programs that prepare job seekers for positions in our country's emerging industries. With 3.4 million job openings across the country, we need to ensure our job training programs actually make people “job ready.” My AMERICA Works Act addresses this problem head-on by encouraging community colleges and industry to work together on the skill sets employers need. Jobs are my number one priority — which is why I'm on my NC Back to Work Tour to focus on commonsense solutions that can get North Carolinians Back to Work as soon as possible.
“I will continue to review all of the President's budget proposals to ensure that we bring down our deficits and debt quickly and responsibly, while also making smart, commonsense investments to preserve America's competitive edge.”
|
|
|
|
