Budget Proposal Sparks Republican Opposition

During an address to students at Northern Virginia Community College, President Obama announced his new budget plan. The address took place at noon on Feb. 13. Within the hour, Republicans
expressed opposition to the budget proposal. The proposed budget is a $3.8 trillion spending plan which Andrew Taylor explains, "seeks to achieve $4 trillion in deficit reduction over the next decade," as outlined in the AP article.

Republican opposition is largely focused on the proposed tax increases. Rep. Paul Ryan (R-Wis.) who is the Chairman of the House Budget Committee called the President's plan "irresponsible" and "reckless." While during the speech to students on Feb. 13, President Obama said the plan is designed to stimulate employment, Rep. Ryan in his statement said the plan would "make it harder for businesses to create jobs."

The budget proposal includes increases that have spawned opposition from Republicans. $1.9 trillion from tax increases will be applied to deficit reduction. The tax increases will be on the wealthy, those making $250,000 or more per year, and an ending to some Bush-era tax breaks for corporations. This is the area in which Rep. Ryan believes reduces job creation. The President denied the proposal is class warfare. He believes reducing the country's debt is a shared responsibility among all Americans.

Another part of the increase is set for transportation and job creation. The proposed spending plan would fund transportation projects such as urban rail services. The plan would also allow districts to hire more teachers, police, and fire department workers. This may create jobs but may also be a strain on community economies.

It was an interesting way to introduce citizens to this spending plan as it was during an address to students. Although considering part of the plan's focus is funding for community colleges the venue makes sense. President Obama addresses education concerns noting that training is imperative for economic growth.

Republicans also argue that the proposed budget may hurt seniors who rely on government funded health care programs.The plan includes decreases in payments to Medicare and Medicaid health care providers. With the country's debt crisis, no group of citizens seems exempt from receiving economic cuts.