Organizations speak out in support of Obama's Budget

Denver--Today statewide grassroots organizations highlighted President Obama's budget, which closes offshore tax loopholes that cost hardworking taxpayers billions in uncollected revenue. The groups showed how this budget makes critical new investments in clean energy, education and healthcare, and transportation infrastructure. The groups included Colorado ACORN, Colorado Progressive Action, Environment Colorado, NARAL Pro-Choice Colorado, New Era Colorado, and ProgressNow Colorado.

"The budget resolution presented by President Obama not only prioritizes fairness and accountability in the tax code, it also represents a clear and transformative road-map for prioritizing the concerns of American families over those of Washington's entrenched special interests.  It's a plan for responsible investments in affordable and dependable health care that will pay us back over time; it's a plan for necessary investments to make college accessible for millions of high school graduates; and it's a plan for smarter investments in an infrastructure for the 21st century, stated Ben Hanna, Colorado Director of ACORN

"It's long overdue that our President and Congress invest strongly in the public structures that make America work," said Jessie Ulibarri, with Colorado Progressive Action. "As the budget process moves forward, we are optimistic that our elected leaders will prioritize the critical needs of hardworking people over tax cuts to the wealthiest in our country."

"President Obama's budget presents a prime opportunity to change the tone of the debate over reproductive rights by uniting Americans behind commonsense, common-ground policies that will improve and protect women's health and privacy," said Toni Panetta, political director of NARAL Pro-Choice Colorado. "Across the country and here in Colorado, women not only have lost their jobs, but also the health insurance those jobs provided. As the budget process moves forward in Washington, we look forward to working with President Obama and our pro-choice allies in Congress to ensure these women don't have to forego access to basic health care, including birth control and annual exams."

"After eight years of failed economic policy, it is time we close corporate tax loopholes and reduce the deficit with a balanced tax code that facilitates renewable energy development," said Gavin Clark, field organizer for Environment Colorado. "In the face of economic challenges, Colorado's ability to shine through with technological know-how and innovation will allow us to rise to the top"

"I became a nurse because I wanted to make a real difference in the lives of patients and their families," said Mike Kingsbury, a registered nurse at Denver Health. "President Obama's budget and his vision for our healthcare system will give more nurses like me the chance to provide the quality care that drew us into the profession."

"Right-wing obstructionists will gather at the Colorado Capitol Wednesday to protest the President's recently-passed budget proposals," stated Michael Huttner, Founder of ProgressNow Colorado. "While right-wing obstructionists demand we go back to George W. Bush fiscal recklessness, President Obama's budget plan will help save Colorado's economy. We've got a lot of cleaning up to do," he added.

ProgressNow Colorado brought brooms to the press conference which they will use to clean up the tea bags left by the right-wing protest.

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