Elizabeth Furse: “I support the coalition budget because it is fiscally conservative and socially responsible. It is a common sense…”

“I support the coalition budget because it is fiscally conservative and socially responsible. It is a common sense approach that both Democrats and Republicans can support. We need a balanced budget plan that emphasizes security in our communities and families. I believe the Republican balanced budget plan of last year was rightly rejected by the public and deserved the President's veto. Simply put, it is wrong to ask seniors and students to pay more while giving the Pentagon a $70 billion boost. I believe the Black Caucus budget has the best priorities, because it cuts wasteful Pentagon spending by over $250 billion. Moreover, the Black Caucus budget makes education and our communities a priority. Unfortunately, it goes beyond simply cutting corporate welfare and dramatically increases taxes. The coalition balanced budget is a common sense budget. It balances the budget through tough spending cuts, without raising taxes, but maintains our priorities. There are no education cuts in the coalition plan. It reforms Medicaid, but does not eliminate health care guarantees for children and pregnant women. It makes important changes in the welfare system, but does not punish children for the actions of their parents.”