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McCollum Statement on President Trump’s Backwards Budget Cuts to Minnesota

March 16, 2017

Congresswoman Betty McCollum (DFL-Minn.) released the following statement on President Donald Trump's Fiscal Year 2018 budget proposal and its impact on Minnesota:

"Minnesota cities, counties, and nonprofits will all feel the devastating effects of President Donald Trump's backwards budget. With these harsh cuts — and the outright elimination of many programs — the Trump administration is abandoning our communities and our state. This budget shifts to Minnesota taxpayers the burden for keeping our state safe, strong, and moving forward.

"The elimination of assistance for local law enforcement and the slashing of environmental protection funding will put the public safety and health of Minnesotans at risk. Public school students will suffer from cuts to local school districts and after-school programs. Seniors and nonprofits will no longer be able to count on national service volunteers.

"Critical investments in our future will be canceled. Improvements to our roads and highways will cease. Job training programs will be cast aside. Support for affordable housing and economic development will be zeroed out. Low-income children, families, and seniors will be left in the cold when their heating and home weatherization assistance is terminated.

"Local and state government leaders, as well as our business, faith, and nonprofit communities, will be hit first and hardest by these cuts. Their voices are much needed now. At the same time, the House Republican majority owns this budget. As the cut's devastating impacts on Minnesota become clear, Republicans must decide whether they will stand with President Trump or with Minnesotans."