BUDGET CUTS OFTEN SHIFT TAX BURDEN OR ELIMINATES SERVICE

With the soaring deficit, tough budget decisions await the 109th congress. President Bush will propose harsh budget cuts that include Agriculture, Medicare/Medicaid, Education, Law Enforcement and a host of others.
While our nation needs to address the growing deficit, we also need to monitor those cuts mandated by law that not only will shift funding to state and local levels, but also could create additional economic hardships on working families or elderly on fixed incomes and that could easily damage the initial progress made for beginning farmers and new business.
Effects of Budget Cuts
Budget reductions in agriculture could easily jeopardize progress made over recent years and threaten critical farm, rural development, conservation, crop insurance and other initiatives. Depending on the business and their equity ratios, a host of small business owners may be forced to downsize, eliminate services, or simply close their doors without the continued support of federal programs and critical long-term backing from banks and lenders.
A large number of rural head start programs substitute as after school day care facilities for young rural working families. While the majority of jobs in rural communities often pay lower hourly rates, those same working families are limited in after school programs for their children due to cost and availability.
Health insurance is an important factor in the welfare of our nation. With a large percentage of people without health insurance growing, cuts in Medicaid will shift funding to state and local governments. Once again, those hardest hit are rural communities with lower income levels.
Local law enforcement agencies have made great strides fighting the war on drugs and keeping our rural communities crime free. Federal programs have given counties the ability to address the infrastructure and equipment needs to continue the war on drugs, lowering the crime rate and addressing Homeland Security.
Alternatives
In many cases, local communities – through their families, church and neighbors – will overcome the problems by joining together. When after-school day care is needed, we find solutions. When our neighbors get sick, we lend a helping hand. When our local schools need better buildings, equipment or supplies -- we pitch in.
Opening up discussions with local community leaders also can lead to alternative solutions.
Making a Difference
Joining together, we can make a difference. Finding workable solutions to the problems we face, trimming wasted spending at all levels and building the strong economic base for everyone makes good sense. Problems need not be compounded by poor legislation and hindsight, nor do we simply want to shift the tax burden. Write your congressman and senators today to voice your concerns and make a difference.