Jewish groups applauded the 2009 budget approved by the U.S. Congress.
The United Jewish Communities, the Jewish Council for Public Affairs, and the National Council of Jewish Women all released statements Thursday hailing Congress for preserving funding for social services in the $3.1 trillion spending plan.
“We are pleased that Congress kept the needs of our nation’s most vulnerable in mind and rejected major cuts to social safety net programs,” said William Daroff, UJC’s vice president for public policy. “As Congress moves through the appropriations process, we must continue to ensure as much funding as possible is provided to help support services for those who need it the most.”
The budget includes modest increases for programs related to education, veterans benefits and social service needs.
NJCW commended Congress for “highlighting the critical importance” of programs for women, children and families.
“NCJW is pleased that Congress has rejected the president’s misplaced priorities by adopting a budget resolution that reinvests in vital housing, home energy, nutrition, health, education, and other services for young and old alike,” said council president Nancy Ratzan.
