Allyson Schwartz on Prez O's Budget

from the inbox:

U.S. Rep. Allyson Schwartz, senior member of the House Budget Committee, issued the following statement today on President Obama’s Fiscal Year 2013 Budget Proposal.

 

“The President’s budget proposal promotes private sector job growth and strengthens America’s middle class. At the same time, it tackles the deficit responsibly by calling on all Americans to shoulder their fair share of the burden, and in doing so cuts our nation’s deficit by $4 trillion over 10 years.

“As a member of the Conference Committee, I have been a vocal proponent of addressing Medicare physician payment reform by permanently repealing the SGR and paying off the debt to the Medicare program with war savings. In his budget, the President acknowledges that the SGR cuts will never be implemented, which is the first step toward transparent budgeting for Medicare expenditures. Despite support from some Republicans who have been eager to work on SGR, Republican leadership continues to reject this rational solution and thwart efforts to move beyond our fundamentally flawed physician payment system.

 

“Let's be clear about President Obama's budget: the President knows that for America to lead now, and into the future, we must be economically competitive. That means making smart, targeted, strategic investments in education, infrastructure, energy, and new industries, such as biotechnology.

“I commend the President for maintaining essential investments in medical research, which stimulates the economy and promotes job growth in the biotechnology and health care sectors. The budget also includes needed funding to bolster our health care infrastructure, and ensure access to care by investing in our primary care workforce.

“President Obama’s budget proposal is a long-term economic blueprint that ensures America remains a nation where everyone has an opportunity to succeed if they work hard and play by the rules.”