The following article is a report from the Democratic Governors Association, chaired by Governor Kathleen Sebelius. This article was written as a response to the President,s budget proposal.

From Health Care to Security, Democratic Governors Say President,s Budget Falls Short

WASHINGTON, Feb. 6 -- Democratic Governors Association (DGA) Chair Kansas Gov. Kathleen Sebelius today said that the Bush Administration's budget proposal for fiscal year 2008 would slash a number of critical programs that benefit working Americans. President Bush's proposed budget would cut vital domestic services, including investments in health care, terrorism prevention, local law enforcement, education, energy programs and key community development programs.

"With all due respect, it appears that the President is again not listening to the people," Gov. Sebelius said. "President Bush talks about sound fiscal management, expanding access to affordable health care, and making our country more secure, but his budget doesn't reflect those priorities."

"In keeping with past budget proposals issued by the Bush Administration, the one submitted to Congress does little to support working families," Gov. Sebelius continued. "Democratic governors look forward to working with Congress to enact a budget that makes sense and matches the priorities voters made clear this past November."

The President's proposal would shortchange Medicare and Medicaid by $300 billion over ten years, under-fund the State Children's Health Insurance Program, and increase premiums for many senior citizens. It also weakens security protections by cutting first responder grant programs.

"Democratic governors know how to balance budgets while maintaining and improving critical state services," Gov. Sebelius said. "We're leading the way on the issues Americans care about most, and we are eager to work with leaders on Capitol Hill to build on what we've accomplished at the state level."

In contrast to budget-balancing Democratic governors, the President has the worst fiscal record in history. He turned record surpluses into record deficits, and the 2008 budget is more of the same. The president's call for a substantial increase in debt would cost taxpayers billions more on interest to foreign creditors.

Paid for by the Democratic Governors Association. Not authorized by any candidate or candidate's committee.