Bush Budget Shortchanges America's Communities

On February 5th, President Bush proposed a budget for FY2008 beginning next October that once again recommends drastic cuts in a wide range of programs benefitting America’s communities.

If the President has his way, community development, housing for the elderly, aid to local law enforcement, support for children and families, grants for safe and drug free schools, and job training will all face another round of cutbacks that have been implemented since 2004.

At a time when crime rates are rising in cities throughout the country, the President again proposes to cut support for local law enforcement in half.

At a time when the infrastructure problems facing America’s communities continue to grow, the President proposes to reduce the $4.1 billion Community Development Block by more than $1 billion.

At a time when millions of Americans seek employment and training to compete in the workforce, the President proposes to cut our $5.2 billion training budget by $1 billion.

At a time when suburban counties are struggle to help the growing number low income residents living in their communities, the President proposes to eliminate the Community Services Block Grant which has been the major source of support in this area and make new cuts in the Low Income Heat Emergency Program (LIHEAP)

The Democrats who now control Congress have promised a new direction to the American people. A critical test of this commitment will be their willingness to restore and even increase support for these programs which have critical to security and well-being of communities and families throughout the country.