A Budget That Leaves Millions Behind

Dear Friends,

As Hillary said, "Instead of investing in the future and creating opportunity for more Americans, the president's budget tilts the balance even more dramatically against middle class Americans, veterans, seniors, children and our most vulnerable Americans. I will fight these misplaced priorities in the Senate."

The latest Bush budget takes another big step toward remaking America as this administration wants to see it: slashing programs that mean hope and opportunity for middle class families, like keeping the doors of college open.

From education to veterans' health benefits, from Medicaid to Medicare, from chronic disease prevention and research to the National Institutes of Health - everyone is cut.

For the last five years, the Bush Administration's misplaced priorities have caused real hardship and suffering for ordinary Americans. This budget means more of the same, leaving more and more citizens behind.

And no area is hit harder than health care.

The Bush Administration proposes $36 billion in cuts to Medicare during the next 5 years - $105 billion in a decade. That means even more problems for those seniors now struggling with the Republican drug plan, which has brought so much confusion and hardship!

In George W. Bush's new budget, even veterans are asked to pay higher co-payments and a new enrollment fee for their health care. The result will be that many veterans will opt out of the system because they won't be able to shoulder the new costs.

Like most Americans, Hillary understands that we need to be in the business of supporting our troops - whether supplying them with needed body armor or providing affordable health care when they return home. But the Bush Administration just doesn't get it.

Hospitals - already squeezed by the soaring cost of drugs and the rising costs of technology - will be squeezed once again as their reimbursement rates are reduced in the new Bush budget.

None of this comes as a surprise -- but that doesn't mean we can just let it happen, either.

That's why it is so important that we can count on Hillary to speak out for our values and those of mainstream Americans as she responds to this right-wing budget. Just as she's speaking out for the thousands of you who shared your health care stories, and signed her petition for an open debate on health care solutions, Hillary will do the same for the millions left behind by the Bush budget.

Hillary has been a life long advocate for children and families, and for policies that invest in America's future. She will fight harder than ever to get our nation back on track. Thank you in advance for standing with us. And thanks, as always, for being a Friend of Hillary.

Sincerely,

Ann F. Lewis

P.S. In 2006, Hillary will continue to address your concerns as she speaks out for a commonsense approach to health care that benefits ordinary Americans. Your support will help her spread her message and fight back against the inevitable right-wing attacks that she will face every day.

Tags: Hillary, Hillary Clinton, Budget