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Republican Budget Plan Cuts Social Services

By KFBB News Team

Story Created: Mar 14, 2011 at 11:06 PM MDT

Story Updated: Mar 14, 2011 at 11:06 PM MDT

The House’s Republican majority gives initial approval to a budget plan decreasing spending, mainly by cutting back social services.

Republicans say their two-year budget plan shaves off five percent of spending of state tax money, reducing it to $3.6 billion. It also rejects about $120 million dollars for federal assistance programs like food stamps.

The party also made some last-minute cuts to the education spending plan, endorsing the entire package with a vote of 65 to 34.

“The budget's only so big and we had to make choices and we funded it to the level that we thought was sustainable and that was our goal all along, we didn't want to spend more money then we take in in the biennium. They're talking about revenue estimates and we're going to have more money and we may have, we may not have," explains HB 2 sponsor Rep. Walter McNutt (R – HD 37).

Democrats voted against the measure, saying it cuts too much and irresponsibly turns away federal help for the needy.

"Democrats really believe in helping people and I think that this budget reflects that we've left some people behind I think it's time for us to look back and help the less advantaged and we didn't do that," says Democrat House Minority Leader Rep. Jon Sesso.

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Anonymous said on Thursday, Aug 25 at 2:01 PM

For those bible thumping Republican/Christian right wingers who thrive on quoting the scriptures in order to justify their means, I've yet to hear them quote this one: Proverbs 31:8-9 8 Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. 9 Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.

Good said on Tuesday, Mar 15 at 10:24 AM

It is about time people realize the government is not in the place of God. Time to get back to the reality of truth. God will provide for his... where have you been?! Do you trust Him?

Sick situation said on Tuesday, Mar 15 at 8:07 AM

This is a good example of the policies of the Republican party. Turn down Federal Grants for food stamps and some outher social services programs" which go mainly to seniors in this state" then cut the food stamp and outher social services programs in the state budgets becuse we just cant afford it. The Republicans again strike out at the very voter base that put them in office. Some people just vote the party, becuse they always have. LOOK and investigate befor you vote, you are cutting your own throats. Loyalty only goes so far, then it becomes stupidity.

What are the voters doing to themselvs said on Tuesday, Mar 15 at 8:05 AM

This is a good example of the policies of the Republican party. Turn down Federal Grants for food stamps and some outher social services programs" which go mainly to seniors in this state" then cut the food stamp and outher social services programs in the state budgets becuse we just cant afford it. The Republicans again strike out at the very voter base that put them in office. Some people just vote the party, becuse they always have. LOOK and investigate befor you vote, you are cutting your own throats. Loyalty only goes so far, then it becomes stupidity.

Bring back humanity. said on Tuesday, Mar 15 at 7:01 AM

It is time to remove thoes Republicans that look down thier noses at the poor, disabled, sick and seniors. They are Evil and should be wiped off the face of the earth by any means available. They are the antichrist in human form.

Sickened by the Government! said on Tuesday, Mar 15 at 1:50 AM

Look at how many articles in the news just today have the federal Government all over it! At a time when jobs are so scarce, how on earth can they cut the only help some people have to lean on? Its just sickening! Who's fault is it that there are no jobs?? Well, a lot more were stripped today as we read in some of the other atricles!How can we allow a government that is ran so irresponsibly?Its time the people start taking back their rights and their voice in what is supposed to be a GREAT COUNTRY!! Life? LIberty? Persuit of happiness??? Yeah right? Where can we find this place? I'd like to know!

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