Congressman Phil Hare (D-IL) today voted for the Democratic budget which rejects President Bush's cuts to critical domestic programs and invests in the priorities of Illinois' working families.
"Working families in Illinois and across the nation are confronting record gas prices, skyrocketing health care costs, and the ongoing crisis in the housing market," Hare said. "Instead of cutting back on critical servicesas the President has suggestedour budget provides relief to the millions of Americans struggling to make ends meet."
The Democratic budget restores over $550 billion for Medicare and Medicaid. It provides $7.1 billion more than the President for vital education, job training, and other social services. Finally, it includes a $50 billion increase for children's health insurance.
The Democratic budget also increases veterans funding by $3.6 billion over current services while rejecting the President's plan to add $18 billion in new fees for our wounded warriors. "Last year, Democrats made the single largest investment in veterans' health care in the 77-year history of the VA," Hare said. "Despite the President's opposition, we have every intention of building on that record this time around."