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Press Releases
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BUSH ADMINISTRATION'S RHETORIC SOUNDS COMPASSIONATE;
ITS BUDGET REALITY LEAVES MILLIONS OF CHILDREN BEHIND
Tax Giveaways to Millionaires Will Cost America's Children |
WASHINGTON - Children's Defense Fund President Marian Wright Edelman today said President Bush's State of the Union address may tout funding increases that benefit children in a few, small areas, but in reality it will freeze and cut many critical child and family investments in a time of economic downturn. The President tonight is expected to discuss his economic plan to revive a stagnant economy, a possible war with Iraq, and budget priorities that his Administration characterizes as compassionate.
"This claim of compassion lacks credibility in the face of $674 billion in new tax cuts, on top of a $1.3 trillion tax cut, most of which will go to the wealthy, leaving little or nothing for children's education, health care, child care, housing, and protection from abuse and neglect," said Edelman.
"The cost of the Bush Administration's stock dividend tax cut proposal alone is enough to provide comprehensive health care for all 9.2 million uninsured American children and Head Start for all unserved eligible preschoolers not ready for school," Edelman continued. "The President's budget deeds should back up his words."
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The mission of the Children's Defense Fund is to Leave No Child Behind and to ensure every child a Healthy Start, a Head Start, a Fair Start, a Safe Start, and a Moral Start in life and successful passage to adulthood with the help of caring families and communities. CDF provides a strong, effective voice for all the children of America who cannot vote, lobby, or speak for themselves. We pay particular attention to the needs of poor and minority children and those with disabilities. CDF educates the nation about the needs of children and encourages preventive investment before they get sick, into trouble, drop out of school, or suffer family breakdown. CDF began in 1973 and is a private, nonprofit organization supported by foundation and corporate grants and individual donations. We have never taken government funds. |
Facts to Consider: A State of the Union Address Watching Guide