Terri Sewell co-sponsors censure of Donald Trump
A group of House Democrats introduced a measure to censure President Donald Trump, following his comments describing Haiti and African nations as “sh**hole countries.” Among those seeking to censure the President is Alabama 7th District U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell. Sewell joined nearly 150 of her Democratic colleagues in co-sponsoring the resolution. “This censure resolution sends a clear message to President Trump that we reject and condemn his offensive remarks,” said Sewell. “The President’s comments about immigrants from Haiti and African countries were racist, disgraceful, and unfitting of the office of the President.” Sewell continued, “Last year, our nation witnessed white supremacy marches, racial violence, and hatred that have had a painful and personal impact on millions of American families. If we let the President’s remarks go unanswered they have the power to incite more hateful behavior. We must reject racism clearly and strongly, and today’s censure sends a message that hate speech will not be tolerated.” What is censure? The process is, according to the U.S. Senate, a “formal statement of disapproval,” a formal reprimand if you will. Unlike impeachment, if passed, a censured president can remain in office. “This censure resolution is important because America is a beacon of hope,” said Louisiana-Democrat U.S. Rep. Cedric Richmond and New York-Democrat U.S. Rep. Jerrold Nadler, the bills original sponsors, in a joint statement. “We have to show the world that this President does not represent the real feelings of most of the American people which is part of the reason why he lost the popular vote.” The full text of the resolution is available here.
Terri Sewell delivers Weekly Democratic Address on Dr. King’s legacy
Alabama 7th District U.S. Congresswoman Terri Sewell delivered the Weekly Democratic Address on behalf of House Democrats on Friday. In the address, the Congresswoman discussed the upcoming Martin Luther King Jr. Day, remembering Dr. King’s legacy and urged congressional action addressing inequality in America today. “Our country needs action,” said Sewell. “We need action to ensure that working Americans have the resources and opportunities they need to compete in today’s workforce.” Sewell also said it’s America’s collective responsibility to take up Dr. King’s unfinished work. “This Martin Luther King Day, let us be imbued with renewed faith in our collective ability to bring about social and economic change. Let us recommit ourselves to the unfinished work of King’s vision,” Sewell added. “There is a fierce urgency. The time for action is NOW.” Watch the address below: Below is a full transcript of the address: Hi, I’m Congresswoman Terri Sewell, representing Alabama’s 7th Congressional District, the civil rights district, and a member of the House Ways and Means Committee. This weekend, our country will come together to celebrate Martin Luther King Day, and to remember Dr. King’s legacy of equality, compassion and action in the face of injustice. But remembering is not enough. Fifty years after King’s death, many Americans continue to suffer from the same injustices they endured five decades ago. Our country needs action. We need action to ensure that working Americans have the resources and opportunities they need to compete in today’s workforce. We need action to provide our children with an education that prepares them for 21st Century jobs. We need action to ensure that all Americans have a chance to compete on a level economic playing field. Dr. King saw economic success for all Americans as a keystone of equality. He recognized that economic issues were civil rights issues. ‘The struggle for genuine equality means economic equality,’ Dr. King told a rally of sanitation workers in Memphis, barely two weeks before his death. He said, ‘For we know now that it’s not enough to integrate lunch counters. What does it profit a man to be able to integrate a lunch counter if he doesn’t have enough money to buy a hamburger?’ Five decades after his death, Dr. King’s words still ring true today. Income inequality is on the rise, our middle class is shrinking, and a competitive education is more expensive than ever. So when I see families in my district who are struggling to find work, when I meet mothers who can’t take time off to care for their children, when I see the poverty that still exists in America, I am reminded of what Dr. King said about the ‘fierce urgency of now.’ He said, ‘There is such a thing as being too late. This is a time for vigorous and positive action.’ Our working families are facing real challenges that require immediate action, but instead of tackling these challenges, Republican leaders have spent their time pushing a tax bill that gives huge giveaways for special interests and the wealthy, while driving up costs for working and middle class Americans. In fact, an estimated 83 percent of the tax bill’s cuts go to the top 1 percent of America’s wealthiest households. Meanwhile, the tax bill’s temporary benefits for the middle class workers evaporate after just a few years, resulting in a tax increase for 86 million middle class families. Instead of simplifying the tax code or making it fairer, the GOP tax bill sticks working Americans with $1.5 trillion in debt in order to pay for corporate tax cuts. While passage of the GOP tax bill will have tragic consequences for our working Americans, I can promise you this: I promise that our fight for middle class Americans is far from over. This weekend in honor of Martin Luther King Day, Democratic Members of Congress from across the country will be hosting events to talk with constituents about the consequences of the tax bill and our plan to fight for working families. The American people deserve better than what they’re getting from the Republican Congress’s relentless campaign to put the wealthy and well-connected ahead of everyone else. You deserve A Better Deal: Better Jobs, Better Wages, and a Better Future – and that’s the strong economic agenda that Democrats are fighting for in Washington. A Better Deal means creating jobs and wages in communities that have lagged behind. A Better Deal means lowering the cost of living for families across America. And A Better Deal means giving every American the tool to thrive in the 21st Century. This Martin Luther King Day, let us be imbued with renewed faith in our collective ability to bring about social and economic change. Let us recommit ourselves to the unfinished work of King’s vision. There is a fierce urgency. The time for action is NOW, and that’s why House Democrats are fighting for better jobs, better wages, and a better future. Thank you and happy Martin Luther King Day!
Officials react to Alabama Toyota-Mazda plant announcement
It’s now official — Huntsville, Ala. has been selected by Toyota Motor Corporation and Mazda Motor Corporation as the site of their new $1.6 billion joint-venture auto manufacturing plant. The announcement was made Wednesday afternoon from the Alabama State Capitol building in Montgomery by Governor Kay Ivey, Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle, and executives from both Toyota and Mazda. The Huntsville-Madison County Chamber of Commerce, as well as leaders from multiple municipalities, joined the event. The new plant will have the capacity to build 300,000 vehicles annually, with production split evenly between two lines for each company to produce a new Mazda crossover model that will be introduced to North American markets and the Toyota Corolla. The facility is expected to create 4,000 jobs and production is expected to begin by 2021. Here’s what Alabama officials had to say of the news: Gov. Kay Ivey: The partnership between Toyota and Mazda will expand innovative automotive manufacturing in Alabama. Their decision to locate this new facility in Huntsville is a testament to the talented workforce in our state. We are proud that this partnership puts Alabama on the forefront of technology in this dynamic global industry. U.S. Sen. Richard Shelby: I am extremely proud that Huntsville was selected by Toyota and Mazda for the joint auto production plant. This facility will create thousands of jobs and strengthen economic growth throughout our state and region. Alabama has a proven track record of creating an environment where world-class manufacturing operations thrive. Today’s announcement speaks volumes about the capabilities and effectiveness of our state’s skilled workforce, highlighting the continued truth that Alabama is open for business. U.S. Sen. Doug Jones: The Toyota and Mazda decision to select Huntsville as the new location for their joint auto plant is both a testament to Northern Alabama’s exceptional advanced manufacturing workforce and further proof that choosing common ground over divisiveness will drive business to our state. Today’s announcement is a tremendous step forward for Alabama’s growing technology sector and our ability to recruit quality businesses in the future. We must build on this momentum, and continue to focus our efforts on issues that affect hard-working Alabamians like creating good-paying jobs and providing students with the tools to attain them. Alabama 2nd District U.S. Rep. Martha Roby: The news that Toyota and Mazda have chosen Alabama as this new plant’s home highlights once again that our great state is open for business. The decision by these companies is truly a testament to our impressive, skilled workforce and our state’s business-friendly environment. This exciting investment in North Alabama not only comes with 4,000 new direct jobs, but also an economic impact that will be felt across the state for many years to come. Alabama 5th District U.S. Rep. Mo Brooks: Toyota and Mazda’s decision to locate in Limestone County is great news for Alabama and the Tennessee Valley! I’m thankful Alabama was selected despite fierce competition from other states vying for this plant. Toyota and Mazda’s decision validates what many of us in Alabama already know. Alabama is not only America’s #1 football state, we are also on a path to be America’s #1 automotive production state. That is a strong testament to the quality of the location, resources, people and government leadership that Alabama offers. The Tennessee Valley did not win the Toyota and Mazda competition overnight. Rather, this victory is the culmination of decades of hard work and leadership offered by local, state and federal officials who have consistently worked together to make the Tennessee Valley a great place to live and work, a place that encourages companies like Polaris, Remington, and now Toyota and Mazda, to rank the Tennessee Valley #1 in America. Alabama 6th District U.S. Rep. Gary Palmer: Toyota and Mazda made a tremendous decision in choosing Alabama for their new, cutting-edge manufacturing plant. I am pleased this new facility will eventually bring 4,000 new jobs and significant economic growth to our state. The fact that Toyota and Mazda picked Alabama is indicative of the hard work and commitment Alabama has made to become the pacesetter in the automobile manufacturing industry. Alabama 7th District U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell: I am thrilled to hear that a Toyota-Mazda automobile plant will be finding a home in the great State of Alabama. I’m proud to see Toyota-Mazda investing in our state’s workforce and continued economic development. This joint venture between Toyota and Mazda will eventually produce 300,000 vehicles a year and create as many as 4,000 jobs opportunities for families in our State. Investments in new technologies and facilities like these are imperative to Alabama’s growing economy. As a Member of Congress, I believe we must strive to create a more job-ready workforce to continue to keep Alabama competitive and entice new business development across the State. Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle: With this announcement, our world changes overnight. Toyota and Mazda, two of the world’s most innovative automakers, have created a legacy project that will provide jobs for decades to come for Huntsville and Alabama. Limestone County Schools Superintendent Tom Sisk: Because we have been a part of the process from the beginning, our school system has been working diligently behind the scenes to develop a series of plans that will be presented to the school board for consideration. These plans will address contingencies for anticipated growth, and expanded academic offerings for our students and others to prepare to meet the needs of this economic expansion. Madison County Commissioner Dale Strong: Today’s monumental announcement by President Akio Toyoda of the Toyota Corporation and President and CEO Masamichi Kogai of the Mazda Corporation is not a new commitment, but a continued commitment with proven world leaders in automotive ingenuity to the State of Alabama and our people. This project once again demonstrates that our regional, advanced manufacturing workforce is perfectly positioned for today and future generations.
Senate swears-in Doug Jones, GOP majority shrinks
Alabama Democrat Sen. Doug Jones was sworn in to the United States Senate Wednesday, narrowing the Republican majority 51-49 in the upper chamber. Jones arrived at the ceremony with former vice president Joe Biden as his escort, where current Vice President Mike Pence administered the oath of office. Jones, 63, is the first Alabama Democrat to be elected to the Senate in a quarter century. He defeated Republican Roy Moore last month in a special election to fill the remainder of Jeff Sessions term after he resigned to be attorney general. “I will be an independent voice and work to find common ground with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to get Washington back on track and fight to make our country a better place for all,” Jones said after defeating Moore. Alabama’s sole Democrat in the House, 7th District U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell went to Jones’ swearing-in ceremony and welcomed him to 115th Congress. “Sen. Doug Jones’ swearing in today was a historic landmark for Alabama voters,” said Sewell. “I am thrilled to have a new partner in the Senate who is ready to tackle the challenges facing our state. As a former U.S. attorney, Sen. Jones brings to Congress his experience fighting for the most vulnerable among us. On issues ranging from healthcare to job creation to tax reform, I am confident that Sen. Jones will put the people of Alabama first.”
Sen.-elect Doug Jones to become only Democratic senator with black chief of staff
U.S. senator-elect Doug Jones owes a great deal of gratitude to a group of Alabama organizers who played a critical role in securing the black vote for him in the special election earlier this month. On Tuesday, Jones tipped his hiring hat their way as he heeded their advice to hire people of color to lead his Senate staff, when he announced Dana Gresham would be his Senate Chief of Staff. Gresham, a former assistant secretary for government affairs at the U.S. Department of Transportation, will be the only African-American chief of staff in a Democratic Senate office this Congress. A Birmingham native, Gresham has over fourteen years of Capitol Hill experience. For eleven of his fourteen years working on Capitol Hill, he served in senior staff positions within the Alabama Congressional Delegation. Specifically, for six years, Mr. Gresham served as Chief of Staff to Representative Artur Davis and for five years he served first as Legislative Assistant and then Legislative Director for Representative Bud Cramer. He began his career on Capitol Hill as a Staff Assistant for Representative Eva Clayton from North Carolina. Alabama’s sole Democrat in the House, 7th District U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell, tweeted her support of Jones’ hiring decision. “Great News! Birmingham’s own stand out Dana Gresham chosen to be Chief of Staff to Alabama’s Senator Doug Jones! Looking forward to working with them to move Alabama forward!! @GDouglasJones,” she tweeted. Great News! Birmingham’s own stand out Dana Gresham chosen to be Chief of Staff to Alabama’s Senator Doug Jones! Looking forward to working with them to move Alabama forward!! @GDouglasJones pic.twitter.com/eyfZm6ZdAd — Rep. Terri A. Sewell (@RepTerriSewell) January 2, 2018 Jones will be sworn in on Wednesday at a ceremony in Washington, D.C.
Politicians weigh-in as Doug Jones wins Alabama Senate seat
Doug Jones became the first Democrat elected to the U.S. Senate from Alabama in a quarter of a century on Tuesday night when he bested former Alabama Chief Justice, Republican Roy Moore. Following Jones’ victory, politicians from both sides of the aisle took to social to weigh-in on the results. See
Terri Sewell announces 2018 Congressional Art Competition for high school students
Alabama 7th District U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell on Monday announced the opening of the 2018 Congressional Art Competition. The competition is open to both public and private high school students throughout the 7th Congressional District, as well as home-schooled high school students. The winner will receive two free round-trip airfare tickets to Washington, D.C., to attend an official reception honoring the winners from all the congressional districts around the country. In addition, their artwork will be showcased in the U.S. Capitol for one year. Sewell has set the theme for this year’s competition to “An Artistic Discovery: Voting Rights Today in the 7th Congressional District.” For more information on the contest, contact Sewell’s Montgomery office at (334) 262-1919 or visit https://sewell.house.gov/congressional-art-competition to find the student release form and guidelines for the artwork. Submissions must be made by January 18, 2018. As a proud product of Alabama’s rural Black Belt, the Congresswoman has seen first-hand the talent from within the 7th District. According to a news release, she has been immensely impressed with the outstanding submissions in past years, and she is incredibly proud to have the winning artwork representing the 7th Congressional District in our nation’s Capitol Building. Click here to view the previous year’s winners from Alabama’s 7th Congressional District. Not a constituent of the 7th District? Visit your Member of Congress’ website for more info on how to enter the Congressional Art Competition for your District.
Terri Sewell hosts Thanksgiving week town halls across 7th District
While many members of Congress have shied away from town hall meetings the past few years, Alabama 7th District U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell continues to host a town hall every year in each of the 14 counties she represents. During Thanksgiving week, Sewell will host two days “Congress in Your Community” town hall meetings in four counties: Choctaw, Clarke, Marengo, and Perry Counties. During the town halls, Sewell will answer questions from constituents, provide an opportunity for them to share their views and concerns, and hear updates on the latest in Congress. Choctaw County Town Hall Monday, November 20, 2017 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Pennington Town Hall 282 Pine Grove Road Pennington, Ala. 36916 Clarke County Town Hall Monday, November 20, 2017 4:00 p.m.– 5:00 p.m. Grove Hill Town Hall 111 S. Church Street Grove Hill, Ala. 36451 Marengo County Town Hall Tuesday, November 21, 2017 10:00 a.m.– 11:00 a.m. Bryan Whitfield Memorial Hospital Hospital Classroom 105 US Hwy 80 East Demopolis, Ala. 36732 Perry County Town Hall Tuesday, November 21, 2017 1:00 p.m.– 2:00 p.m. Sowing Seeds of Hope 1728 Washington St. Marion, Ala. 36756 Thus far in 2017, Sewell has hosted town halls in Jefferson County, Pickens County, Tuscaloosa, Dallas, Montgomery, Wilcox and Lowndes.
Terri Sewell introduces Public Funds for Public Schools Act
Alabama 7th District U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell is hoping to close a tax loophole that diverts resources away from public schools with the introduction of H.R. 4269: Public Funds for Public Schools Act. The bill seeks to limit the double benefit of charitable contributions, which Sewell explains “allows the wealthy to turn a profit on donations to private school voucher organizations.” “As the daughter of two long-time educators and the proud product of Selma public schools, I know the power of public education,” said Sewell. “Today’s legislation would stop wealthy donors from cheating our tax system and diverting dollars away from children in our public schools.” Sewell continued, “Under current law, wealthy donors in states like Alabama can turn a profit on contributions to private school voucher organizations by claiming both state and federal tax benefits. At a time when our public schools are short on resources and Congress is struggling to find funding for important programs such as the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), we have a responsibility to close this tax loophole and protect public funds for public schools.” Sewell is referring to tuition tax credits (TTCs), which are offered to individuals or corporations in 18 states across the country who contribute to Scholarship Granting Organizations or school voucher nonprofits. In seven of these states — Alabama, Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Montana, Nevada, and South Carolina — the tax credit is dollar for dollar. In addition to receiving a full refund from their state, these donors qualify for a federal tax deduction on the same donation. Sewell wants to close the loophole in the tax code which allows this and disincentive the diversion of federal dollars from public schools. Under Sewell’s bill, savings created by the Public Funds for Public Schools Act could be reinvested in the school system to offset costs for K-12 education programs, like those under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
Alabama delegations weighs in on GOP’s massive tax cut plan
As congressional Republicans unveiled a sweeping tax reform plan on Thursday, Alabama’s congressional delegation by and large came out in support of it. While 5th District U.S. Rep. Mo Brooks and 6th District U.S. Rep. Gary Palmer have yet to weigh in, the rest of the Republicans in the delegation came out in support of the $1.51 trillion plan to simplify the country’s tax code. The delegation’s lone Democrat 7th District U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell opposes the plan, which lowers the corporate tax rate from 35 percent to 20 percent, while reducing the number of tax brackets for individuals from seven to four — 12, 25, 35, and 39.6 percent. It also doubles the standard deduction for individuals and families, but caps deductions for both local and state taxes. Additionally it repeals the estate tax in six years. Congressional Republicans championed the measure at the plan’s unveiling. “This is it America,” said Texas-Republican, House Ways and Means Chair Kevin Brady at a press conference. “It is our opportunity to make tax reform a reality.” President Donald Trump applauded the release of the plan in a statement shortly after the bill was presented. There he took the opportunity to preemptively hit back at possible critics of the legislation. “I applaud the House Ways and Means Committee for introducing the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, which is another important step toward providing massive tax relief for the American people,” said Trump. “The special interests will distort the facts, the lobbyists will try to save their special deals, and some in the media will unfairly report on our efforts.” Here’s what the Alabama delegation has to say about the tax cut proposal: Alabama 1st District U.S. Rep. Bradley Byrne: Tax reform has the potential to make America boom again, and it starts with putting more money in the pockets of hardworking Americans. The current tax code is too complicated and confusing, benefiting the elite while making things harder for American families. It is time for a fairer and simpler tax code that supports new jobs right here in the United States. We need to get this right, and I look forward to working with President Trump to do just that. We cannot pass up this historic opportunity to reform our outdated tax code and unlock our full economic potential. Alabama 2nd District U.S. Rep. Martha Roby: This is a unique and exciting opportunity to deliver on our promise and give the American people the results they deserve. Our tax reform plan will grow the economy, create jobs here in the United States, and allow hardworking taxpayers to keep more of their money in their pocket. An average family with about 60,000 dollars in household income would see their federal tax bill drop by about $1,200. For the people I represent, this can make a big difference. For that mom working a retail job or the dad driving the truck or that single parent working two or three jobs just to make ends meet, having an extra $1,000 in your pocket is a big deal. I promise you hardworking taxpayers know how to spend their money better than the government does. Alabama 3rd District U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers: Hard-working American families deserve to take home more of their hard-earned paychecks, and President Trump’s tax plan will help make that happen. Alabama 4th District U.S. Rep. Robert Aderholt: The tax bill released today is a good start, as it refocuses our tax code on today’s economy. Our current system was put in place when most Americans had never heard of the internet, the only phone they had was attached to the wall at home and Bill Curry and Pat Dye were coaching at Alabama and Auburn. It’s time for a tax code that puts working Americans first. More than 80% of the people in my district will see their tax burden drop, and to me, that is a good thing. Alabama 7th District U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell: After months of secret negotiations, it should come as no surprise that the tax plan revealed by Republican leaders today is a raw deal for Alabama and for working families across this nation. The Republican tax bill will raise costs on families who can least afford it while providing wealthy individuals and special interests a windfall in tax breaks. In order to pay for what would be the largest tax giveaway to special interests in American history, the Republican tax plan makes cuts to Medicare, Medicaid, and the programs that middle-class families rely on. We cannot afford poorly targeted tax cuts and we cannot afford to miss our chance for true bipartisan tax reform. While I disagree with a number of the points in today’s tax plan, I will work with my colleagues to try to reshape this bill so that it helps working families and encourages growth across the entire economy in a fiscally-responsible way.
Terri Sewell promotes ACA health care open enrollment period
Alabamians who wish buy insurance on the individual market could start signing-up for plans Wednesday and Alabama’s 7th District U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell wants to be sure her constituents, and fellow Alabamians, know. The open enrollment period for EnrollALA, the state’s Affordable Care Act marketplace, runs now through December 15. “The open enrollment period is a great opportunity for my constituents to shop for new coverage with the help of premium assistance,” said Sewell. “Enroll Alabama and the free support provided by Alabama’s local health care navigators makes it easy for families to find insurance that fits their needs. Whether you already have coverage through the individual marketplace or you are looking to get covered next year, I encourage everyone to check out their health care options during the open enrollment period.” Sewell continued, “As hospitals in my district face financial challenges and families struggle to afford doctor’s visits, I am deeply disappointed by the Trump Administration’s decision to cut advertising for the open enrollment period. Too many Americans do not know how to navigate the insurance enrollment process and I believe we have a responsibility to raise public awareness about how to sign up for affordable health insurance.” “We must do everything in our power to increase coverage, reduce costs, and stabilize the insurance marketplace for all Americans.” Individuals who need assistance in signing-up may contact (844) 248-7698. A list of Alabama’s local navigators, who can provide free guidance on signing up for health care through the individual marketplace, is also available here. See Sewell’s video remarks on the beginning of open enrollment below:
Congress passes 2018 budget, moves one step closer to tax reform
The U.S. House of Representatives narrowly approved a Senate version of the 2018 federal budget on Thursday, which included language that would allow a tax reform bill to pass Congress without any Democratic votes. By a vote of 216-212, the entire Alabama delegation voted in favor of the resolution with the exception of lone Democrat Alabama 7th District U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell. Here’s what the delegation has to say about their votes: Alabama 1st District U.S. Rep. Bradley Byrne: With a budget now passed, we are one step closer to making tax reform a reality. We must follow through on our promise to make our tax code fairer and simpler for American families. Our ultimate goal is to put more money in the pockets of hardworking Americans. Alabama 2nd District U.S. Rep. Martha Roby: By passing this budget today, Congress is one step closer to enacting pro-growth tax reform that will offer much-needed relief to American families. Our tax reform plan will grow the economy, create jobs here in the United States, and allow hardworking taxpayers to keep more of their money in their pocket. This is a unique and exciting opportunity to deliver on our promise and give the American people the results they deserve. Alabama 3rd District U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers: Today’s vote is the beginning of the biggest tax overhaul in thirty years. I am hopeful both the House and Senate will take up and pass President Trump’s tax plan as soon as possible. Simplifying the tax code, lowering rates and making small businesses more competitive will improve take-home pay for hard-working American families. I agree with President Trump that our tax system should reward hard work and encourage investment in the private sector. Closing special interest loopholes and simplifying the tax code will save everyone billions of dollars spent on filling out IRS paperwork each year. Alabama 4th District U.S. Rep. Robert Aderholt: Did not release an official statement. Alabama 5th District U.S. Rep. Mo Brooks: Did not release an official statement. Alabama 6th District U.S. Rep. Gary Palmer: Did not release an official statement. Alabama 7th District U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell: I voted against today’s budget because it trades away critical investments in infrastructure, education, job-training, and health care programs in exchange for short-sighted tax cuts for special interests and the wealthy. As our country faces serious fiscal challenges, we need to make responsible budgeting decisions that build a foundation for job growth, better wages, and improved economic and health outcomes. Instead, today’s budget relies on gimmicks and irresponsible cuts to make way for a special interest tax plan that adds $1.5 trillion to the deficit.