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Friday, February 11, 2005

Losing what we really need

I won't pretend to know a lot about government spending or how a bill becomes a law, but I do know that in order for the current Administration to figure out how to doggy-paddle its way out of a sea of red ink, it will be cutting critical programs that it deems not worthy.

On February 7, the Bush Administration announced the fiscal year 2006 federal budget. It's likely that family-friendly programs like food stamps, child nutrition, and early intervention will be negatively impacted.

To determine how exactly families will be affected by the new budget, the Center for Law and Social Policy will host its second audio conference, as part of its Family Squeeze series, today, February 11. Today's topic will be, "The Federal Budget: Implications for Families and States."

Federal revenues are falling and the deficit growing, but the Administration says it plans to halve the deficit within five years. In the absence of increased taxes, this is expected to translate into cuts in discretionary programs; it could also mean proposals to limit entitlement programs (e.g., Medicaid, food stamps, child nutrition). What are the key features of the Administration’s newly announced budget proposal? What are some of the implications for states? How do working families fare?

The one-hour audio conference runs from 12:30 pm to 1:30 pm EST. I won't hold my breath that this conference will get any news coverage, but I just thought some of you would be interested.

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