Bruce F. Vento: “I rise in bittersweet support of this colossal final budget package. This omnibus appropriations measure funds a total…”

“I rise in bittersweet support of this colossal final budget package. This omnibus appropriations measure funds a total of $486.7 billion for fiscal year 1999. This represents the largest single legislative measure in recent history, compiling almost 8,000 pages of text and incorporating eight regular appropriations bills. over the past 2 weeks of budget negotiations that resulted from Democrats' insistence and pressure, this bill is a success in achieving some victories for the American people. These victories include the down payment in 1999 for a 100,000 teacher initiative that will reduce class size; increased funding for such programs as Head Start and After-School Learning Programs; increased investment for the EPA to achieve a cleaner environment; much needed emergency assistance to farmers; funds for the International Monetary Fund (IMF); and $475 million in U.S. debt payments to the United Nations, unfortunately with strings attached. This bill has provisions which move people from welfare to work and empowers communities, advances a strong health and technology research agenda and improves the public health of Minnesota and America. Despite these accomplishments, much work remains. In this bill, the GOP majority has demonstrated an overall record of failure and missed opportunities. This process has not accorded debate or public awareness of our decisions and the impact of this action.”