AFT president Edward J. McElroy is urging Congress to reject the FY 2009 budget proposal released on Feb. 4 by President Bush and replace it with a plan that "better reflects the nation's values and priorities." Bush's proposal eliminates or cuts many key education programs and slashes Medicare and Medicaid by almost $200 billion. The budget provides inadequate increases to Title I and special education, yet diverts $300 million to a new, unproven national voucher program and adds more than $100 million to a flawed teacher pay plan (the Teacher Incentive Fund).

The best news about President Bush's budget, McElroy says, is that it's his last. "Seven years of irresponsible tax cuts, bad economic policies and soaring military spending have landed the nation in a deep fiscal hole," he adds. "The president's FY 2009 budget proposal digs that hole deeper, increasing the deficit to $400 billion while saddling children, seniors and other vulnerable populations with the brunt of cuts to vital public services."

Overall, the budget essentially freezes domestic discretionary funding at current levels, which will result in cuts to most services after taking inflation and population growth into account.

"The silver lining is that once President Bush leaves office, we finally will have the opportunity to address the mess he has left behind—$9 trillion in debt, chronic revenue shortfalls, and shameful underinvestment in our nation's schools, universities, infrastructure and healthcare services," McElroy says. "Recovering from this president's mistakes will require bold, new leadership in 2009. The scope of the challenges ahead underscores the importance of electing candidates in 2008 who have the experience, know-how and commitment to tackle big problems and restore the American dream for millions of working families."

The budget now goes to Congress for its consideration and modification.

• Read full press release.

February 4, 2008