White House endorses Senate Dem budget

March 14, 2013

POLITICO

Donovan Slack

White House press secretary Jay Carney praised the budget proposed by Senate Democrats on Wednesday, saying it represents a balanced approach to deficit reduction that won't place an undue burden on the middle class.

"The Senate Democratic budget is a concrete plan that will grow our economy and shrink our deficits in a balanced way, consistent with the President’s belief that our economy grows best from the middle-out, not the top-down, while reducing the debt as a share of the economy," Carney said in a statement.

The proposal put forward by Senate budget chair Patty Murray (D-Wa.) cuts spending by $975 billion over 10 years and raises the same amount in taxes while also investing $100 billion in infrastructure and job training programs.

"It’s a plan that doesn’t dwell on ongoing debates, but rather moves our country forward by making investments critical to our middle-class security – like education, manufacturing, and rebuilding our crumbling roads and bridges – while looking for waste, fraud, and savings throughout government," Carney said.

"This budget makes tough spending cuts and leaves no sacred cows, but it also makes sure that seniors and the middle class aren’t forced to bear the full burden of deficit reduction by eliminating wasteful loopholes through tax reform,  so that the wealthiest Americans pay their fair share."

He said that now that both parties have plans on the table -- House GOP budget chair Paul Ryan (R-Wis.) unveiled his Tuesday -- it is clear that while there are differences, both sides share some common goals.

"The President looks forward to seeking compromise and common ground with Congress so we can grow the economy, create jobs, and cut the deficit in a balanced way," Carney said.

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