Category Archives: Budget

Young Democrats of North Carolina Legislative Action Day

Posted by rsnyder on June 6, 2011 Comments Off

Last Thursday, passionate Democrats of all ages participated in the Young Democrats of North Carolina’s Legislative Action Day in Raleigh. They talked to legislators from across the state to support North Carolina’s historic investment in public education. YDNC members met with their own legislators and also lobbied Democrats who indicated they would vote for the Republican budget.

CLICK HERE to see photos from the Legislative Action Day.

At 11:30 a.m., Young Democrats from places as far as Boone and Wilmington stood with General Assembly members for a press conference to advocate for a “common sense budget that preserves our historic investment in education.”

YDNC President Sam Spencer told reporters: “House and Senate Republicans are justifying these terrible budgets by claiming that North Carolinians voted for education cuts when they voted for Republicans last fall. Unfortunately, after a century of Democratic Progress, two years of Republican control aren’t a mandate – they’re an anomaly.”

YDNC Legislative Chair Doug Jackson went on to say “you can’t spend less on education per pupil than South Carolina and Mississippi and expect to compete with them in attracting businesses.”

CLICK HERE to read WRAL’s write-up and watch a video of the press conference.

Though the Republican budget passed as expected, the real fight will begin should Governor Perdue veto it. YDNC asks their members to continue calling their Representatives and sending letters to local papers.  Young Democrats are making it very clear to those in power: public education is worth the investment.

YDA statement on possible government shutdown

Posted by rsnyder on April 7, 2011 Comments Off

The Young Democrats of America urge the Republican leadership of the House of Representatives to stop the politicization of the budget process and fund the United States government through the remainder of the current fiscal year.

With only one day left until a government closure, the Republican-led House leadership refuses to work in good faith to arrive at a comprise. Failure to strike a deal would mean the shutdown of a majority of government agencies with delays in vital services for the American people.

“House Republicans are taking their cues from Tea Party extremists by refusing to find a reasonable compromise on the budget”, said YDA President Rod Snyder. “Much like their predecessors who shut down the government in 1995, House Republicans are seeking political points with their base rather than working with Senate Democrats and the White House to identify reasonable and prudent budget cuts.  The GOP budget games are jeopardizing our country’s economic recovery and stability.”

The Republican budget demands would destroy the progress in job creation we have seen for several consecutive months, as well as harm schools and public safety. The budget cuts proposed by the GOP would delay pay for our armed forces, unfairly target the middle class, and harm small businesses as they work to rebuild and put Americans back to work.

The Young Democrats of America join with the vast majority of Americans in hoping that our federal government can avoid a shutdown. It is time for the political games to end and for House Republicans to operate with seriousness and dignity befitting of their positions and the institution of Congress.

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