The Federal Budget Process in Congress: 2009

The Federal Budget Process in Congress: 2009CFK Banner

The FY2009 Omnibus and Kids
Better late than never: Congress passed the FY2009 appropriations package and sent it to President Obama to sign (he may do so today, March 11). So what's in it for children and young people? At press time, analyses were still rolling in, but First Focus has a look at the House version.

A Look at President Obama's First Budget
  • Every Child Matters has a brief (and very user-friendly!) summary of the budget proposal highlights, and some tools to weigh in.

  • First Focus says President Obama's budget proposal marks an increased investment in American's children and families, increasing total discretionary spending on children to $74.1 billion, a $3.5 billion increase from 2008.
  • Families USA says the proposed $634 billion for health care is a good "down payment" to transform our patchwork system to one of quality, affordable health coverage for all. But it is not a done deal, and there remains work to do to get consensus on the details.

  • PELL IMAGEThe National Association of School Financial Administrators says the proposal includes a game-changing approach to student financial aid -- namely, making Pell Grants part of the "mandatory" side of the budget, with automatic yearly funding and a cost-of-living increase. It would also eliminate subsidies to banks for student loans programs.
Take Action
Several organizations are sponsoring online tools to let you urge Congress to support the child-friendly principles in President Obama's budget plan:

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