Dent Receives Accolade From CACLV's Jennings?

CACLV Executive Director Alan Jennings, the LV's defender of those who have no voice, has issued a statement thanking LV Congressman Charlie Dent for his vote on a continuing resolution that only cuts six percent of CDBG funding, instead of the draconian measure originally proposed. CACLV will still lose $50,000, but earlier proposals had Jennings wondering whether the agency could even continue.

Jennings' statement:

“The tens of thousands of people whose lives are made whole, whose neighborhoods are made more viable and whose ability to have hope is boosted by CACLV owe our congressman a round of applause for speaking up on their behalf. While the CR cuts too much funding for low-income programs, Charlie Dent played an important role in protecting those programs from a far worse fate, saving the day for CACLV, Head Start, and other programs for low-income people seeking little more than a level playing field. His new position on the House Appropriations Committee is a vehicle for moderation in the face of extremism and for advancing the needs of the district in the face of cynical attacks on the poor. Charlie, we thank you for your service.”

Congressman Dent, recognizing that governments need to go on a diet, released this statement:

“The Fiscal Year 2012 budget resolution passed by the House today is a responsible approach to reducing our burdensome deficit, controlling excessive government spending, ensuring the longevity of important federal safety net programs and supporting economic growth. For too long, Washington was making promises to the American people without taking the necessary and sometimes politically difficult steps to keep them. In contrast, H.Con.Res. 34 establishes a fact-based budget that addresses our nation’s troubling fiscal situation in an honest and trustworthy manner.

“First and foremost, this budget reduces the growing deficit by $4.4 trillion over the next 10 years by cutting $6.2 trillion in federal spending. Since 2008, federal non-defense discretionary funding has increased by an astounding 80%. Understanding the record-breaking spending levels of the recent past are simply unsustainable, H.Con.Res. 34 freezes discretionary spending below pre-Stimulus levels for the next five years. I recognize the impact of these cuts will be felt across the country, but difficult steps must be taken today to guarantee a prosperous and secure tomorrow.

“This budget also reforms federal safety net programs to ensure promises made to older Americans are kept and coverage is available for the next generation of beneficiaries. Without modernization, there is no doubt these programs would eventually bankrupt the federal government. I am pleased the House has recognized its responsibility to develop solvent and sustainable safety net programs by implementing smart, gradual reforms.

“Rather than raising taxes to solve our budget predicament, as the President recommended in his FY12 budget proposal, H.Con.Res. 34 closes tax loopholes and eliminates special deals to guarantee federal revenue remains consistent and dependable. Washington’s problem is not a lack of revenue, but an insatiable desire to spend. However, reforming our tax code will promote fairness and support greater economic growth.

“I am disappointed President Obama has shown a troubling and prolonged lack of seriousness when discussing our nation’s growing budget problems. Like many Americans, I was hopeful the President would at the very least acknowledge the work of his own bipartisan fiscal commission. Instead, he proposed a budget that raises taxes, perpetuates reckless federal spending and fails to offer any solutions to reform entitlement programs. Earlier this week, the President suggested the creation of yet another fiscal commission, again delegating his responsibility to lead. Unfortunately, the President has done enough punting on budget issues to make Sav Rocca nervous about his job security.”