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Domestic Policy
Bush Launches Secret Class War on the Poor - Medicaid, Housing, School Lunches, and EITC
WashPost reports, "Bush has embarked on a far-reaching campaign to transform the federal government's relationship with the nation's poor, seeking to tip control over social services to the states, reduce the funding of some programs, and require more proof that low-income people are eligible for public help. The $2.23 trillion budget that Bush proposed last week would loosen federal standards and hand states vast new authority, if they want it, over housing subsidies, unemployment benefits, health insurance and a preschool program for children from disadvantaged families, which is known as Head Start. It would also make outright cuts in some poverty programs, such as a reduction by a fourth in the amount the government devoted last year to 'community services' grants for dispossessed neighborhoods. At the same time, Bush is seeking nearly $1.5 trillion in tax cuts that would largely benefit the wealthy while potentially squeezing social spending for years to come."
Ken Walsh writes in U.S. News & World Report, "A losing streak can snowball -- and Democrats hope Bush's does. 'In foreign affairs, President [sic] Bush has had a few weeks of not being very sure-footed,' says Democratic pollster Stan Greenberg. 'And a lot of folks are turning inward, back to domestic issues. There is a shift taking place that will benefit Democrats.' Even though the economy seems to be improving, pollsters say many voters wonder if Bush is doing enough to improve their medical care, protect their retirement benefits, and keep energy prices low without harming the environment. Adds Democratic National Chairman Terry McAuliffe: 'The domestic agenda is a disaster for George Bush. He has broken his promises to the American people in every area -- deficit spending, Social Security, healthcare, job creation.' And McAuliffe says there is a lingering sense that Bush is too cozy with big business, especially the energy industry."
09-Feb-03
Domestic Policy
01-May-02
Domestic Policy