Payne Backs Democratic Budget Plan Plan Invests in Energy, Education, and Infrastructure; Cuts Taxes on Middle Class; Returns Budget to Balance

Press Release

Payne Backs Democratic Budget Plan Plan Invests in Energy, Education, and Infrastructure; Cuts Taxes on Middle Class; Returns Budget to Balance

U.S. Representative Donald M. Payne today voted for a Democratic budget plan that charts a New Direction for the country. It makes investments in energy, education, and infrastructure; provides tax relief for the middle class; keeps our promise to our veterans; and returns the budget to balance in five years. The plan, a budget conference agreement for fiscal 2009, won approval today by the House of Representatives.

"Democrats have a plan to rebuild our economy and reclaim our fiscal future," said Payne. "Our budget cuts taxes for middle income families, invests in new businesses and creates jobs. It restores our infrastructure and funds the educational tools needed to help our children succeed. We do all of this and more, while returning the budget to balance."

The Democratic budget:

Rejects the failed fiscal policies of the Bush Administration. It returns the budget to balance - reaching a surplus of $22 billion in 2012 and $10 billion in 2013.

Responds to soaring energy costs by helping promote renewable energy, clean fuel technology, and energy efficiency.

Makes education and innovation investments that will generate economic growth and jobs, make college more affordable, improve student achievement, and reverse the Bush Administration's under-funding of education.

Invests in our nation's infrastructure - repairing crumbling roads, bridges, transit, airports, and schools.

Does not include any tax increase. To the contrary, it supports significant tax relief, including extension of marriage penalty relief, the child tax credit, and the 10 percent bracket, as well as allowing for estate tax reform. It includes an additional year of Alternative Minimum Tax relief. And it provides for property tax relief, energy and education tax relief, and extenders.

Makes our country safer by providing robust funding for national defense and ensuring that resources are available to address the most critical threats facing the nation. It ensures that veterans get the quality health care they need and deserve. It also protects the homeland and rejects the President's cuts in law enforcement, the COPS program, firefighters, and other first responders.

"Our nation cannot afford to continue the policies of record deficits and debt," said Payne. "American families are struggling. This budget begins the process of recovery. I was proud to support a plan that returns the country to a sound fiscal and economic path."

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