WASHINGTON, DC – Today, as the House and Senate Budget Committees mark up their fiscal year 2009 federal budget proposals, First Focus, a bipartisan children’s advocacy organization, praised the efforts of Congressional leadership for strengthening funding for several programs related to children and families, all of which had been significantly cut by President Bush’s budget.
“The budget proposals of the House and Senate indicate strong commitments to the health and well-being of our children, and are especially necessary considering the president’s failure to make children a priority in his proposal several weeks ago,” said Bruce Lesley, president of First Focus
Specifically, the House Budget Committee’s budget provides approximately $5.5 billion in additional discretionary health spending from fiscal year 2008 – $5 billion more than President Bush’s 2009 proposal. In addition, about $4.4 billion in discretionary spending for education, training and social services has been provided over last year’s allocation, – $6 billion more than the president’s 2009 proposal. Additional discretionary spending of this magnitude could lead to increased allocations for programs benefiting children.
The House budget would strengthen social safety net programs through measures such as the Social Services Block Grant (SSBG), which funds 29 different human services in the 50 states and the District of Columbia. The president’s budget cuts SSBG funds by $500 million. In addition, the president’s cuts to housing aid and home heating assistance via the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), would be significantly averted, with the House budget improving funding for these programs that provide critical financial assistance for low-income families.
In addition, $50 billion has been set aside to expand the State Children’s Health Insurance Program, which would provide health coverage to millions of low-income children who cannot obtain it on their own. Finally the legislation calls for a significant increase in funding for education programs, in comparison to the President’s budget request.
“While these budget resolutions are non-binding, they are integral in setting the guidelines for spending bills throughout the remainder of this Congress. Children have been losing ground in the federal budget in recent years. It is our hope that Congress takes advantage of this increase in discretionary spending to benefit our nation’s kids. A strong commitment to children and their families now is critical to providing them a better future in the years to come,” added Lesley.