Kagen Backs a Fiscally Responsible Economic Plan
Washington, DC — Congressman Steve Kagen, M.D. is encouraging fiscal responsibility as we start to restore our economy. Kagen voted for a plan that will cut taxes for 95% of working Americans, reduce the deficit by two-thirds by 2013 and cut non-defense discretionary spending.
“This budget plan is fiscally responsible and will enable us to work our way out of today’s recession,” said Kagen. “I am working hard to invest our hard earned tax dollars in creating jobs and building an economy that works for all of us, while cutting our deficit over the long-term.”
The plan passed today focuses on rebuilding our economy over the longer term through strategic investments – including investments in education, energy independence and health care reform – and leads federal spending back to a path to fiscal sustainability. It takes steps to decrease the costs of health care, one of the largest contributors to the deficit, and contains key initiatives to protect taxpayer money by eradicating waste, fraud and abuse. This will save taxpayers nearly $50 billion. This plan also accurately and openly represents costs like the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, thus marking the beginning of a new era of honesty in budgeting. Previous Presidential budgets masked these costs to make the deficit appear smaller.
“We are taking the necessary steps for short-term and long-term economic prosperity. Everyday the Recovery Act makes critical investments in our communities. Today, we passed a plan for sustainable economic security by reducing spending and making targeted investments in areas that will grow our economy and create jobs like health care, energy, and education,” Kagen said.
By providing $53.4 billion in funding for veterans’ health care and services - $5.6 billion more than the 2009 level – this economic plan reaffirms our commitment to our veterans.
“Everyone must understand that this will take time. The President inherited a record deficit of $5.8 trillion. We are now moving in the right direction. This plan in an honest and transparent outline for building a better future for all of us,” said the Congressman.
