Key Programs Endangered by Bush Administration Budget, Analysis Finds

Washington, DC – More than 200 representatives from the National Council of La Raza’s (NCLR) affiliate network, 67 community-based Latino organizations located in 33 states and the District of Columbia, are convening on Capitol Hill today to urge their members of Congress to make greater investments in America’s future. As participants in NCLR’s National Advocacy Day, these community leaders will voice support for issues such as improving educational and employment opportunities, increasing access to health care, and enacting comprehensive immigration reform.

“As Congress stands ready to make crucial budget decisions in the coming weeks, we call on the House and Senate to oppose the cuts proposed in the Bush Administration budget and to help promote opportunity by investing wisely in programs with real impact. That is why NCLR affiliates from across the country are on Capitol Hill,” stated Janet Murguia, President and CEO of NCLR, the largest national Hispanic civil rights and advocacy organization in the U.S.

A new analysis released today by NCLR found that the FY 2006 Bush Administration budget puts at risk dozens of programs which help millions of people, including Latinos, in areas such as health, housing, education, and job training. [See attached list of programs at risk due to funding cuts.]

“Our budget priorities must reflect the values and ideals of this country. By investing in our people today – with job training programs, affordable housing and health care, and a school system that helps our children succeed – we can promote a more prosperous, and a more just, future for all Americans. The cuts proposed by this budget would undermine our nation’s capacity to achieve this future,” continued Murguia.

“We need to pull together as a nation and make some hard choices. While the focus today is on the congressional budget process, we need to look beyond the budget. We also need to ensure that our tax system is fair so that it does not irreparably harm our ability to fund these critical investments.

We strongly believe that the Latino community will hold members of Congress accountable for their actions on both the budget and taxes, but we also pledge to work with both sides of the aisle to ensure that we invest equitably and wisely in our nation,” concluded Murguia.

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