Graves' Reaction To The President's Budget Proposal
GRAVES' REACTION TO THE PRESIDENT'S BUDGET PROPOSAL
U.S. Congressman Sam Graves today released the following statement concerning the President's budget proposal:
"What was put before Congress today is a good starting point.
I am extremely supportive of the President's commitment to alternative energy because of the enormous potential in Northwest Missouri. The issue of energy policy and renewable fuels is vital to the future of this country, and I will work diligently with my colleagues to ensure we continue to lessen our dependence on foreign oil by taking advantage of some of Northwest Missouri's greatest resources: corn and soybeans.
While I am pleased to see the President recommended an increase in veterans' healthcare funding, I am deeply concerned that this Administration has once again proposed higher healthcare enrollment fees and prescription drug co-pays for certain categories of veterans, after Congress has rejected them four years in a row.
As many Missourians know, our defense funding is critical during this time of war. I am hopeful that the budget Congress passes will include the President's proposal to increase military pay, fund the modernization and expansion of our special forces, and fully fund our efforts to enlarge the total size of our military.
Although the President's budget included a number of great recommendations for Missouri and our country, I am concerned about some of his education proposals. I am pleased that the President is willing to consider new approaches to meeting the goals of the No Child Left Behind Act, however, I am deeply concerned his proposal does not go far enough in providing adequate flexibility to local school districts to meet their goals. In addition, I am concerned about the President's proposed reduction in funding for the Carl D. Perkins Vocational and Technical Education program. This program was renewed by Congress in 2006 and enjoys wide bipartisan support. Many schools in Northwest Missouri utilize this program and have designed innovative programs to help train and educate some of the most hard to reach students and prepare them for careers in the modern workplace."
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