Ed Markey: “yesterday the budget negotiators finally got to the key issue in the budget debate: whether or not we are going to…”

“yesterday the budget negotiators finally got to the key issue in the budget debate: whether or not we are going to provide a $245 billion tax break largely for the rich in this country as part of the 7-year balanced budget plan. The Republican Party considers the tax cut for the rich to be the crown jewel in their Contract With America, and they have promised to keep the Government shut down until we give this tax break to the rich. The crown jewel is a good metaphor, for without the tax cut for the rich, the contract will not sparkle, it will not shine. But it is a jewel at a great price. To pay it, we must cut student loans, we must slash Medicare, we must cut Medicaid, we must slash environmental programs. The Gingrich budget promises 7 years of milk and honey and tax breaks for the rich, but 7 years of financial famine and locusts for the working-class people of our country.”