UJC backs budget bill

The United Jewish Communities urged constituents to press Congress to pass a budget that increases President Bush’s allocation for domestic programs by $21 billion. An action alert that the umbrella body sent Wednesday to federations and other Jewish groups lauds the $2.9 trillion budget resolution agreed to Wednesday by negotiators from the U.S. Senate and the U.S. House of Representatives. “If adopted, this budget framework would provide approximately $21 billion in additional spending for domestic discretionary programs above that recommended by the Bush administration,” the alert says. “This will provide critical resources for Jewish social services and the vulnerable populations who depend upon the federation system in such areas as health care, housing, nutrition, community services and education.” The legislation now goes back to both houses for final passage, probably by Friday. The budget, though not binding, sets overall priorities.