GOP Budget Cuts Off Bubbie and Zadie

NJDC — April 12, 2011 – 9:38 am | Congress | Domestic Policy | Economy | Republicans | Women's Issues Comments (2) Add a comment

This week, GOP House Budget Committee Chairman Rep. Paul Ryan’s (R-WI) proposed 2012 budget will become the basis for negotiations between Congressional Republicans and President Barack Obama. Ryan’s budget effectively cuts off bubbie, zadie, and the neediest among us from the social safety net that enables America’s seniors - along with women, children, and working families - to live dignified and secure lives.

Ryan’s GOP budget contains deep cuts to Medicare, Medicaid, and other vital social safety net programs including food stamps, Pell grants, and housing aid. It even contains a full repeal of the Affordable Care Act - Obama’s health care reform package - which is on track to help millions of Americans receive better health care while cutting the deficit.

A budget is more than just a fiscal spreadsheet - it’s a statement of our values. And we need your help to defend our Jewish values! Take a look at what leaders from the American Jewish community have said about this GOP budget and then take action! (You can click each name to read more about Ryan’s GOP budget and its negative consequences.)

“Anyone can cut the budget by arbitrarily capping programs. The real challenge we face is to reduce the deficit without decimating help for the neediest among us, or making retirement impossible for the next generation.” - B’nai B’rith interim President Alan J. Jacobs 

“If a budget is a reflection of our national priorities and morals, then we cannot ignore the reality of hungry families and high unemployment.” - Jewish Council for Public Affairs Chair Dr. Conrad Giles

“Everyone would suffer under Chairman Ryan’s proposals, but women would suffer more.” - National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW) President Linda Slucker and NCJW CEO Nancy K. Kaufman   

“Ryan’s budget resolution prioritizes the wealthy over the needy, and, therefore, does not reflect the values to which we aspire as ... Americans.” - Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism Associate Director Mark J. Pelavin  

JTA also reported Representative Howard Berman’s (D-CA) reaction to the impact that Ryan’s proposed budget cuts would have on foreign aid—which could pose significant risks for Israel. Berman “said the proposal, which would slash the international affairs budget by 40 percent, sets ‘a new standard for recklessness and irresponsibility.’” Berman also dubbed the plan “a slap in the face” to military leaders, who have “long argued time and again that diplomacy and development are key pillars of U.S. national security.”

You can fight back against Ryan’s budget by:

* Telling your member of Congress that your Jewish values inspire you to oppose the GOP Ryan budget and urging them to do the same (you can find your member with the module on the top left here);

* Calling Ryan’s office and politely explaining why you oppose his budget; and 

* Contributing to NJDC so that we can continue our work of promoting social justice in America by maximizing Jewish support for Democrats. 

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