WASHINGTON, DC -- Congressman Collin C. Peterson (DFL-7th District) today voted against the conference report on the FY 1996 budget resolution.
"While there were some improvements made over the House version of the budget resolution, this conference report still has major problems," Peterson said.
"One problem I have with it is the tax cuts. I'm not against tax cuts, it's just that I feel like spending needs to be cut and the budget needs to be balanced before we cut taxes.
"As for cuts to spending, I disagree with the cuts to student loans. The future of this country lies in the hands of the next generation. If they don't get an education, this country's future will be pretty bleak," Peterson said. "This budget resolution saves more than $10 billion over the next seven years through cuts to student loans. However, that savings will be achieved by increasing the cost for students who get student loans. And since the cost will go up, it will be more difficult for some students to even get loans.
"As for the cuts to agriculture programs, they just aren't fair. Agriculture has taken more than its fair share of cuts over the past several years, and this level of cuts will turn agriculture into an industry that's not sustainable."
Peterson also felt that the budget resolution conference report had too many cuts to Medicaid and Medicare.
"Again, I know that cuts are needed and that Medicaid and Medicare need to be reformed, but these large cuts could jeopardize health care, especially in rural areas like Minnesota's 7th District.
"We are still early in the budget process, and I will continue to work with the Administration and the Leadership to produce a fair package for the American people that can be enacted into law."