Fairhope, Alabama
DAPHNE TOWN HALL MEETING
Casi Callaway, Director of the Mobile Baykeeper organization asked Congressman Byrne to oppose proposed cuts to local environmental protection programs in the President's new budget.
Callaway: "ADEM would see a 44.5% cut ... the EPA ... NOAH ... water quality monitoring... and we are already 49th in the nation for funding ... ."
"We need a strong state agency because the environment is our economy in coastal Alabama ... 30% of the state's revenue is generated here."
"It may not be popular in your party, but we need you to stand strong ... ."
BUDGET A WORK IN PROGRESS
Byrne replied that the president had only presented a "skinny" budget so far -- a more detailed one will follow.
Byrne: "Its aspirational ... we never accept the president's first budget ... appropriations committees are where the rubber really meets the road ... where money is spent.""
While conceding that some cuts could be made to programs like federal oversight of fisheries, he said he "opposed cutting what protects the water, woods, and air of southwest Alabama" and have to "keep it clean."
He mentioned some "wonderful federal programs" at the Weeks Bay Reserve and Dauphin Sea Lab as examples.
Byrne said he has already written letters of support for such programs to various appropriations committees "where the money really gets spent" and intends to "continue to be that kind of advocate."
DAPHNE TOWN HALL MEETING
Casi Callaway, Director of the Mobile Baykeeper organization asked Congressman Byrne to oppose proposed cuts to local environmental protection programs in the President's new budget.
Callaway: "ADEM would see a 44.5% cut ... the EPA ... NOAH ... water quality monitoring... and we are already 49th in the nation for funding ... ."
"We need a strong state agency because the environment is our economy in coastal Alabama ... 30% of the state's revenue is generated here."
"It may not be popular in your party, but we need you to stand strong ... ."
BUDGET A WORK IN PROGRESS
Byrne replied that the president had only presented a "skinny" budget so far -- a more detailed one will follow.
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| Daphne council chambers |
While conceding that some cuts could be made to programs like federal oversight of fisheries, he said he "opposed cutting what protects the water, woods, and air of southwest Alabama" and have to "keep it clean."
He mentioned some "wonderful federal programs" at the Weeks Bay Reserve and Dauphin Sea Lab as examples.
Byrne said he has already written letters of support for such programs to various appropriations committees "where the money really gets spent" and intends to "continue to be that kind of advocate."
Comments
Cuts have to come from somewhere. If everyone wants more money then go to the private sector.
Byrne cares about staying in D.C. and pleasing his base.
Sad to see!
EPA is out of control and needs to be seriously reduced.
AS far as the military, it is our corrupt politicians that keep sending our young men and women to war, so if there is going to be increased spending, then pay and equip our troops.