Concurrent Resolution on the Budget for Fiscal Year 2013

Floor Speech

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Ms. BONAMICI. I thank my colleague for yielding.

We have a real choice to make here, a choice between a Republican budget that hurts the middle class and those who are struggling to get out of poverty, and a Democratic alternative that presents a balanced approach to reinvest in our economy.

It's critical for the communities and employers in my district and around this great country that we continue to support, not cut, research and workforce development, that we renew our commitment to, not cut, public education. These are key areas in which we must invest in order to maintain and accelerate our much-needed economic recovery.

We've seen the private sector dividends paid by the research facilitated by the NIH, the NSF, and the Department of Energy. It's undeniable that emerging solar, wind, and even wave energy technologies will all have critical roles to play on our road to energy independence.

As these technologies continue to develop, we must improve upon, not cut, workforce development initiatives; and community colleges will play an important role in achieving this goal. In Oregon, we've seen exciting partnerships develop between green energy technology manufacturers and community colleges.

Of course, access to a quality education must start well before our children reach college age. Our public schools are the cornerstones of our communities. We have an obligation to ensure that we provide the funding necessary, not cut important quality education that will enhance all of our children's future.

When our children do reach college age, it's important that the option of
higher education is available and affordable. Instead of cutting Pell Grants and raising student loan interest rates in order to provide tax breaks for millionaires, let's work to protect our financial aid investments. Continued access to these programs will help prepare our future workers.

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