Blacks Decry Bush’s Deep Cuts in Health, Education and Housing

Black Democrats Tuesday assailed President George W. Bush’s proposed budget, calling the $2.57 trillion spending plan “disappointing” and saying drastic cuts in  education, food programs and literacy initiatives will create serious hardships for blacks across the nation. Members of the Congressional Black Caucus spent Tuesday reading Bush’s proposed budget and analyzing its impact on blacks, while some black Republicans explained that Bush cut programs that were already being duplicated, and therefore draining the government of resources.  In one of the tightest presidential budgets on record, the budget Bush sent to Congress Tuesday substantially cuts or eliminates 150 federal programs, including health programs for poor people and veterans, education and business development, while proposing major increases for military operations overseas.
 “On first review of President Bush's budget proposal, I find it extremely disappointing,” Rep. Mel Watt (D-NC), chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus, said in a statement. “The proposed budget neglects suggestions offered by the Congressional Black Caucus for ending disparities that exist between African Americans and white Americans in every aspect of life.” [more]

• Study: White House Seeking Deeper Budget Cuts than Claimed [more]
• Bush Budget Said To Remove Safety Nets [more]
• REP. WATTS BLASTS THE BUSH BUDGET “This budget appears to offer no real solutions for change and falls short of what the CBC hoped would be included in the document,” Watt said. “Members of the CBC are extremely disappointed with the President’s budget proposal and will work with our colleagues on the Hill for a budget that reflects the values and concerns of all Americans: education, health care, economic opportunity, justice for all, retirement security and foreign policy.” [more]
• Rep. Jesse Jackson, Jr. slams Bush for playing race card in Social Security debate [more]