Etheridge Votes for Budget Plan to Strengthen N.C. Families

Press Release

Etheridge Votes for Budget Plan to Strengthen N.C. Families

U.S. Rep. Bob Etheridge (D-Lillington) a member of the House Budget Committee, voted today for a federal budget resolution that is fiscally responsible and will invest in strengthening the economy, preparing children for the workforce and making N.C. communities safe. The budget resolution passed by a vote of 212 - 207.

"The budget resolution reflects of our nation's priorities by investing in our families, our communities and our future," said Etheridge. "This balanced budget will also help restore order to our nation's fiscal house so that we do not pass on crushing debt to our children and grandchildren."

The budget is fiscally responsible, resulting in a surplus by 2012 and adhering to pay-as -you-go budget rules that will prevent the deficit from increasing. It will provide for middle-class tax relief and prevent the Alternative Minimum Tax from hitting an additional 20 million families.

The budget also includes a provision that would pave the way for Congress to approve legislation for tax credits for school construction bonds, which Etheridge has worked to enact since his first term in Congress.

The budget rejects the President's proposed cuts to education initiatives. The President had suggested eliminating 47 proven education initiatives from which North Carolina has seen proven results. Today's budget would reverse those cuts and invest in the future by increasing funding for education. The budget will also help to strengthen communities by rejecting the President's proposed cuts to first responders and local law enforcement.

The budget resolution establishes a framework to guide budgetary decisions for the year. It leaves specific spending, revenue initiatives, and offset decisions to authorizing and appropriations committees.

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