Schakowsky Statement on the President's FY2011 Budget

WASHINGTON, DC (February 1, 2010) — Rep. Jan Schakowsky, D-IL, released the following statement on the President's proposed FY 2011 budget that was made public earlier today. The President's budget includes tax cuts for 4.8 million Illinois families, $2.1 billion for Illinois schools, students, and teachers, and $2.5 billion to fix and expand the state's network of roads and highways, modernize airports, and expand water and sewer infrastructure. Also, the budget helps Illinois by providing $1.4 billion in new funding for Pell Grants to help families pay for college and $1.4 billion for housing assistance.

"President Obama's budget is designed to make the critical investments necessary to create good jobs and restore our economic prosperity, to keep our nation safe and our families secure. As we review the specific requests in the Administration's budget recommendations, we need to keep our eyes on the pressing needs of our families and our communities. I will work to make sure that we pass a budget that targets every dollar efficiently and effectively to meet the essential needs of our nation. Wasteful spending — whether in defense or domestic programs — must be eliminated."