Quote of the Week: Bush Budget Hypocrisy by Jonathan Alter, Newsweek Columnist

"It’s a form of hypocrisy that’s becoming emblematic of the Bush era. Four years ago, President Bush held a big photo-op to showcase after-school programs at a Delaware Boys and Girls Club—then cut funding for the very after-school programs he was touting. After pressure, funding was restored.

Will the same thing happen this time?

Two years ago, Bush had his picture taken in Florida with idealistic young members of the National Civilian Community Corps (NCCC), a small, team-based AmeriCorps program that works on environmental and disaster relief projects. ' I’m a strong believer in AmeriCorps,' he said. ' I want to thank you for your service, thank you for your hard work and may God continue to bless you and your families as you pursue your dreams.'

Now, those dreams are at risk of being deferred. In his fiscal year 2007 budget, the president is proposing not just to trim the NCCC, but to eliminate the $25 million program altogether.....

We all agree that money is tight and the federal budget contains fat. But why terminate a popular, uncontroversial, program that simultaneously helps Katrina evacuees and 1,000 18 to 24-year-olds trying to make a difference?"

--- Jonathan Alter, columnist, on March 14, 2006 in Newsweek article National Disservice: Why the administration thinks it can get away with plans to cut a relief program that helps thousands and changes young lives
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Related Article - Bush Budget Plan for 2006-2007 Cuts $4.3 Billion from Education, Ends or Cuts 46 Programs
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