Senator Sanders Proposes National Priorities Act

[BayCityProgressive]

http://www.sanders.senate.gov/news/record.cfm?id=270347

Thank God we have a rational independant-socialist voice in our senate. I would love to see this Act passed.

Washington D.C. -- Citing spiraling income disparity in America, Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) today introduced legislation to expand opportunities for the middle-class, lower the poverty rate and keep commitments to veterans, senior citizens, children's health care and other national priorities by repealing tax breaks for the wealthiest 1 percent of Americans while expanding tax relief for working families.


Sanders' legislation, The National Priorities Act of 2007, also would redirect $60 billion in the Pentagon budget by ending outdated Cold War-era weapons programs and eliminating waste, fraud and abuse. The Pentagon provision would prohibit achieving any of the savings by shortchanging basic needs of military personnel, including pay raises and health care.


"The Senate must pass a budget that will expand the shrinking middle class, reduce the enormous gap between the rich and the poor, keep our promises to our nation's veterans, reduce our record-breaking national debt and lower the poverty rate," Sanders said in a Senate floor speech. "The best way to accomplish these goals is to repeal the president's tax breaks for the wealthiest 1 percent, eliminate waste, fraud and abuse at the Pentagon and use this revenue for the many unmet needs of this country."


A member of the Senate Budget Committee, Sanders also proposed to devote a portion of the restored revenue - $30 billion - to reduce the federal deficit.


A budget, Sanders told colleagues, "is more than just a long list of numbers, it is a statement of our values and priorities. It is about taking a hard look at the needs of our people and prioritizing the budget in an intelligent and rational way."

[cali]

1. And Bernie is a very effective legislator

In his years in the House he shepherded through more amendments to legislation than any other Rep, democrat or repuke.

[BayCityProgressive]

2. I like the fact that

although he is very far to the left, he is pragmatic and able to work with others without selling himself down the river..

[cali]

4. Yes. I love Bernie pragmatism

and his ability to get others on board. I actually think it's that pragmatism and his concern for the lives of the working class, that have served him so well here.

[AzDar]

3. I love Bernie, and I love this legislation. n/t

[MsMagnificent]

5. this deserves a good swift

:kick:!


:applause:

[Sapphire Blue]

6. K&R #5; The priority programs authorized by the legislation would include:

$15 billion for children's health plans
$575 million for Community Health Centers
$140 million for the expansion of dental clinics in rural and under-served areas
$2.2 billion for child care
$14.9 billion for special education
$4 billion for veterans' health care
$7.2 billion for an expansion of the Earned Income Tax Credit
$16.2 billion to increase the maximum Pell Grant for college students
$15 billion in grants to states for educating students with disabilities
$27 billion for energy efficiency and conservation programs
$5 billion for housing

http://www.sanders.senate.gov/news/record.cfm?id=270347

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[Morgana LaFey]

7. Boy, there's just something about those Vermonters, isn't there?

Pragmatic and wise. This is great.

[YankeyMCC]

8. Well there's an idea

Set priorities and clear objectives for effective government in ways that benefit the general populace and those Most in need.

This guy must be some kind of ... I don't know... an caring, intelligent legislator...we could use more of those.

[ProudDad]

9. 67 of them

would do it!

[mhatrw]

10. Yes! Go, Bernie!

What in the world is radical about these proposals? Why can't all Democrats get behind this?