Feature Story

March 5, 2008

The Congressional Budget Resolution: Recommendations for a Blueprint in Support of Low-Income Individuals and Families

From Center for Law and Social Policy:

The budget that the president submitted to Congress on February 4 would make substantial cuts---estimated at $15 billion after adjusting for inflation---in domestic discretionary spending other than homeland security. The president proposes to cut or eliminate 151 programs, many of which have been effective at supporting low-income workers and their families, just as the country is heading into an uncertain economic future.

The Congressional budget resolution should inflict no harm to low-income workers, restore prior cuts, and invest in the future by supporting the workforce and ensuring safe and healthy children.

The president's proposed cuts come at a time of a weakening national economy.

Two parents, working full-time at the federal minimum wage earn just $24,336 per year, which is not enough to pay for food, housing costs, and child care in most communities.5 These workers cannot afford to participate in the education and training they need to get better jobs.

These families need public policies that help them access all that they need to thrive---education and job training, health insurance, sufficient food, quality early care and education, and other supports.

Congress has an opportunity to resoundingly reject the president's priorities and make sound investments in our future that reward hard work and help families and children impacted by the growing economic downturn.

Support for children and families comes largely from the appropriations for the departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education.

The budget calls for cuts to or elimination of 151 programs.

The administration also uses gimmicks such as consolidation, "streamlining," and personnel reductions to further cut programs funded through the annual appropriations process and those that receive ongoing funding.

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