Pleased about the budget

The passage by both houses of Congress of a budget resolution Wednesday is drawing kudos from Jewish groups. The Jewish Council of Public Affairs and the National Council of Jewish Women have already issues press releases praising the budget blueprint.

In its statement, JCPA praises the approved resolution for laying "the groundwork for the possibility of healthcare reform this year, includes increased discretionary funding levels that will allow for new investments in social service programs, and provides for a deficit neutral reserve fund that allows for the possibility of additional investments in childhood nutrition programs."

As for the NCJW, president Nancy Ratzan said that "we are encouraged that the investments outlined today will allow for modest increases in programs that help alleviate the economic burden felt by families across the country. Most significant is that the budget includes a process for considering health care reform that avoids the prospect of a filibuster.

Their full releases are after the jump:[[READMORE]]

Here’s JCPA:

JCPA:  Congress Enacts Budget Resolution That Makes Investments to Protect Most Vulnerable

WASHINGTON – The Congressional Budget Resolution enacted this week provides a strong blueprint for our nation’s leaders to reform our broken healthcare system, move forward on childhood nutrition reauthorization, and provide additional investments in other social service programs for the most vulnerable, says a leading Jewish advocacy group.

The Jewish Council for Public Affairs today hailed enactment of this year’s Congressional Budget Resolution, applauding both chambers of Congress for moving the nation forward and providing for the most vulnerable.

The enacted resolution lays the groundwork for the possibility of healthcare reform this year, includes increased discretionary funding levels that will allow for new investments in social service programs, and provides for a deficit neutral reserve fund that allows for the possibility of additional investments in childhood nutrition programs.  The final resolution also invests in alternative energy programs that will help America create new “green collar” jobs, reduce our dependence on foreign oil, and confront global climate change.

“The Congressional Budget this year is a critical first step in allowing us to move forward and provide for our nation’s most vulnerable,” said Rabbi Steve Gutow, president of the Jewish Council for Public Affairs (JCPA).  “Our political leaders must come to the aid of those most affected by the economic downturn, and today’s resolution lays the groundwork for these efforts.  While much remains to be done, we look forward to continuing to work with our Senators and Representatives to ‘Speak up, judge righteously, champion the poor and the needy’ (Proverbs 31:9) in the halls of Congress.”

JCPA launched its national anti-poverty initiative, "There Shall Be No Needy Among You," in 2007.  Through this campaign, JCPA and other Jewish, interfaith and civil-rights organizations are urging local, state and national leaders to advance anti-poverty legislation and programs that help provide food, shelter, additional work and educational opportunities for the nation’s most vulnerable.  Their grassroots efforts have led to an increased national commitment to reduce poverty.

And the NCJW:
 

NCJW Welcomes Passage of 2010 Budget Resolution

April 29, 2009, Washington, DC — The National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW) today welcomed final passage of the fiscal year 2010 budget resolution by both houses of Congress. NCJW President Nancy Ratzan released the following statement:

“NCJW welcomes the adoption by both houses of Congress of the fiscal year 2010 budget resolution. We believe that the priorities established in this resolution will help our nation address the challenges of both rebuilding our economy and achieving meaningful health reform this year.

“NCJW supported President Obama’s original budget recommendations for discretionary spending. While we are disappointed that the funding levels have been reduced from the President’s proposal, we are encouraged that the investments outlined today will allow for modest increases in programs that help alleviate the economic burden felt by families across the country.

“Most significant is that the budget includes a process for considering health care reform that avoids the prospect of a filibuster. NCJW has always advocated for high quality, comprehensive health care that is affordable and accessible for all. Now that it is clear that sustainable economic recovery is impossible without also fixing the health care system, such reform is even more critical.

“NCJW is committed to achieving the goals articulated in this budget resolution that will help women, children, and families cope with their immediate needs, made worse by the recession, and provide opportunities for real progress into the future. We look forward to working with others committed to the same goals.”

The National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW) is a grassroots organization of volunteers and advocates who turn progressive ideals into action. Inspired by Jewish values, NCJW strives for social justice by improving the quality of life for women, children, and families and by safeguarding individual rights and freedoms.