This week we have highlighted a number of the President’s initiatives and plans – rubberstamped for six years by the Republican Congress – and their effects on Delaware. Below is a recap of the harm his administration has heaped on Delaware’s families.
Healthcare: For the past six years, George Bush has carried the water of the health insurance industry, rejecting every proposal for affordable health insurance that generated any objection from the insurance companies. In that time, 6 million more Americans have become uninsured, and countless others have had to dig into their savings to pay for health insurance.
Federal funding to cities: President Bush’s FY 2007 budget cut first responder funding by 25 percent. That means cuts to the Wilmington Police and Fire Departments, further strapping groups that already and hard-pressed for resources. The previous year, the Bush administration proposed slashing the community block grant program, which provides cities with funding needed for business development and low-cost housing. And earlier this month it was revealed that the Wilmington Housing Authority would receive $840,000 less than last year – a 24 percent cut forcing reduction of services to the 1,800 housing units.
Energy Independence: Despite repeated promises and various declarations (‘we are addicted to oil’), Bush has consistently shot down reforms that would produce alternative fuel technology. Home heating oil prices are expected to increase 63 percent in our region compared to 2000 [AAA Fuel Gauge Report]. It has gotten to the point where companies like DuPont are policing themselves and asking the president for emissions caps.
Federal Budget: While the national debt has ballooned to $8 trillion, the president is focused on more tax cuts for the wealthiest one percent of Delawareans. That would give the wealthiest one percent $15,409 in 2010, and middle class families in Delaware would be left with just $23 [Citizens for Tax Justice].
National Security: Hundreds of Delawareans are serving our nation in Iraq and Afghanistan, but the president has not provided them with the supplies they need. Even worse, he now wants to send even more troops without a clear strategy for the future.
“President Bush has displayed misplaced priorities for the country, and we have seen their results here in Delaware,” said Delaware Democratic Party Executive Molly Jurusik. “Delaware Democrats will continue to bring real results to Delaware’s families, despite the failed leadership in the White House.”
