Statement by Congressman Dan Kildee on President Obama's FY "16 Budget

Statement

Congressman Dan Kildee (MI-05) today issued the following statement on President Barack Obama's Fiscal Year 2016 budget proposal:

"A budget is a statement of our nation's values. Our country's budget ought to center on building an economy that works for everyone -- not just those at the top. We can achieve this by making strategic investments in areas like job training, infrastructure and education while also working to responsibly end sequestration cuts and reduce the federal deficit in a way that does not hinder economic growth.

"As a nation, we cannot compete in a twenty-first century economy with aging and outdated infrastructure. Nor can we compete in a global economy without ensuring that our workers have the education or skills necessary to succeed. I am pleased to see the President's budget create a National Infrastructure Bank that leverages private capital to help rebuild our crumbling roads, bridges, rails and ports, as well as our aging water and sewer infrastructure. I also strongly support cradle-to-college education initiatives, including "Preschool for All', Head Start and the PELL Grant program to make post-secondary education more affordable. These are smart investments in hardworking families that will help to strengthen the middle class.

"Using the President's budget as a starting point, we must also ensure that the unique needs of Michigan are met, especially as they relate to older, industrial cities and protecting the Great Lakes. Specifically, we must ensure that the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative -- which helps support efforts to clean up toxic pollution, combat invasive species and restore wildlife habitats -- is adequately funded. Additionally, we must ensure that successful programs like Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) and the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) are fully supported. Cutting these initiatives would severely reduce essential services for seniors, low-income Michiganders and the most vulnerable.

"Our economy should work for everyone -- not just the top one percent of income earners. Michiganders who get up every day and work hard should be rewarded with higher wages, more take-home pay and greater economic security for their families. The President's budget is a step in the right direction to help create opportunity for middle class Americans and those who are working hard to join the middle class. I look forward to working with all Members of Congress -- Democrats and Republicans -- on a responsible budget that ensures all of my constituents have a chance to share in the wealth and economic growth of America."

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