Esty Statement on Passage of Bill to Fund Government until October 2014, Avoid Another Government Shutdown

Press Release

Congresswoman Elizabeth Esty (CT-5) released the following statement regarding today's vote on the fiscal year 2014 Consolidated Appropriations Act, which will fund the federal government until October 2014.

"Today's bill is a fair, bipartisan agreement that provides economic certainty, prevents another irresponsible government shutdown, and restores funding from damaging, across-the-board sequestration cuts," Esty said. "While the bill is not perfect, it makes key investments that will help bolster job creation and economic growth in central and northwest Connecticut.

"Budgets reflect our priorities. I will continue to work for smart cuts that responsibly reduce the deficit while promoting important investments to create good jobs and support the innovation and hard work of our small businesses and manufacturers."

This appropriations bill funds:

National Institutes of Health, which is critical for biomedical research and development in Connecticut;
Transportation and infrastructure improvement programs, such as TIGER grants that could help support job-creating projects in communities like Waterbury and Meriden;
The Veterans Administration Suicide Prevention Program;
Manufacturing Extension Partnership that supports workforce development programs for local manufacturers;
Head Start, which provides comprehensive education, health, nutrition, and parent involvement services to over 500 low-income children and their families in Connecticut's 5th district.
Mental health initiatives for schools, local law enforcement officials, and first responders;
The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) that provides home heating assistance for families in need;
The Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program, which supports critical social services projects in Danbury, Meriden, New Britain, and Waterbury; and
Energy efficiency and renewable energy programs.

Source