Statement of Congresswoman Mazie K. Hirono of Hawai‘i
in the U.S. House of Representatives
Testimony before the House Budget Committee
Expressing Concerns about the President's Proposed Funding Cuts
and Requesting Funding for Vital Programs
February 28, 2008
Chairman Spratt, Ranking Member Ryan, and members of the House Committee on the Budget,
I am very grateful for this opportunity to provide my input as you work to prepare the Budget Resolution for Fiscal Year 2009. I am deeply concerned about the many cuts to vital programs proposed in President Bush’s budget, including those affecting veterans, Medicare, Medicaid, homeland security, medical research, education, environmental programs, and so much more. In fact, given all of the problems with the President’s budget, one hardly knows where to begin or end. I’ve decided to focus my remarks on some of his proposed cuts that, if sustained, would severely impact the economies of my state and yours. I am deeply concerned about the effect the current economic downturn will have in my district and want to be sure that the investment we made by passing the economic stimulus package is not undermined by under-funding critical federal programs.
I represent Hawaii’s second district, which is comprised of seven inhabited islands. Most of my district is rural. Many of the challenges facing my district are unique because it is spread over many islands and is so remote from the mainland United States; however, I know that we share many of the concerns of rural communities throughout the country.
I ask that the Committee ensure that vital federal programs that help support economic development in our communities are maintained at least at FY2008 purchasing levels in FY2009. Since the release of the President’s budget, I have heard from many nonprofit groups in Hawaii that rely on these federal funds to leverage their ability to raise additional funds for economic development, job training, job creation, and other vital programs to move our economy forward; they are deeply worried about the proposed cuts. The following are among the most important programs for localities in my district:
- Community Development Block Grant Program (CDBG). The President’s budget cuts CDBG by almost 20% of what would be needed to maintain 2008 purchasing power. CDBG funds are highly valued by the counties in my district because these funds provide flexibility for local governments to respond to local problems, whether in providing affordable housing, economic development, job creation, or meeting other critical needs. We should be increasing, not decreasing, this assistance. The proposed cut would cost my state some $2.8 million at a very difficult time.
- Surface Transportation Funding. The President’s proposed cuts in transportation funding below the levels authorized by Congress is the wrong move at a time when we need to be investing in building and repairing our nation’s vital transportation infrastructure. These projects would provide jobs during this economic downturn and ensure our future economic competitiveness. The proposed cuts would cost my state an estimated $2.5 million in 2009.
- Clean Water State Revolving Fund and Drinking Water State Revolving Funds. The President’s budget provides the lowest level of funding ever (measured in terms of purchasing power) for the Clean Water State Revolving Fund and the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund. Our states and local communities rely on these programs to upgrade and replace our aging wastewater collection and treatment systems and to ensure safe drinking water for all our communities. These funds ensure the health and safety of our citizens and provide needed jobs.
- Job Training. We must help our citizens adjust to changing demands in our economy and ensure that we have a well-trained workforce. Please reject the President’s proposal to cut funding for job training by $1.1 billion compared with the level provided in 2008.
- Crime Prevention. The President’s budget eliminates several law enforcement programs created by Congress that assist state and local governments in combating crime, including the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Program, Byrne Discretionary Grants, Drug Courts, and the Community-Oriented Policing Services (COPS) program. Please reject these eliminations and restore funding to these proven programs.
- Social Services Block Grant (SSBG). Please reject the President’s proposal to cut SSBG funding by almost 30 percent. This grant gives states the discretion to provide social services such as child care, child welfare, home-based services, employment services, and services for the disabled, depending on needs in each state. Many working families cannot get by without the support these programs provide. The President’s proposed cuts would cost Hawaii some $2.1 million in 2009.
This list of programs is just a sampling of the many successful and valued programs that Congress has created and supported over the years to help our communities and to encourage economic development. I ask that the Committee build on the excellent work it accomplished last year and reject the President’s proposed cuts.
Finally, I ask that the Committee reject the proposed cuts to educational, health, and housing programs benefiting Native Hawaiians. As one of only two members in the House representing Hawaii, I ask that you support continued funding for these authorized and longstanding programs.
Mahalo for listening to my concerns.
