As soon as he released it, President Donald Trump's budget proposal was generating blowback in California, where Democratic politicians and others attacked its cuts to programs benefiting the poor, and its trillions of dollars in tax cuts aimed mostly at the wealthy.
Even Republican members weren't praising the controversial spending.
Here's a roundup of what some California leaders are saying:
House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, D, San Francisco
Governor Jerry Brown:
"This budget proposal is based on utterly bogus economic assumptions. It gives a massive tax break to the wealthiest, while imposing painful and debilitating burdens on tens of millions of decent and hard-working people. It's unconscionable and un-American."
Fresno Republican Rep. David Valadao:
"With our national debt rising over nineteen trillion dollars and an annual budget deficit of over five hundred billion dollars, the United States must work to reduce federal spending and protect our economy for the next generation of Americans.
However, as a Member of the House Appropriations Committee, I believe we must balance our duty to reduce spending with the needs of communities throughout the United States. It’s important to adequately fund the critical programs and services many Americans, like my constituents in California’s Central Valley, rely on every day.
As the Committee proceeds through the appropriations process, I look forward to working with both Republicans and Democrats to carefully consider future funding levels and enact responsible spending policies for all Americans.”
East Bay Democratic Rep. Eric Swalwell:
Oakland Rep. Barbara Lee:
“I have never seen a budget so devoid of compassion and empathy for families struggling to make ends meet.
This Republican agenda is Robin Hood in reverse. Their morally bankrupt budget steals health care from children and food assistance from hungry families in order to pad the pockets of billionaires and defense contractors. If their budget is enacted, afterschool programs will close. Seniors will be forced to forgo medical care. Parents will have to choose between paying the rent and putting food on the table.
Steve Bannon, the architect of this heinous agenda, stated his ultimate goal was ‘deconstruction of the administrative state.’ This administration will stop at nothing to dismantle the lifesaving programs that keep families safe, healthy and educated.
The vision presented in this Republican budget is clear: the rich get ahead, and everyone else pays the price.
Democrats stand united in rejecting this heartless vision. Instead of rigging the system further for the rich, Democrats want to invest in job creation, health care, and vital services like Meals on Wheels. The American people deserve a budget that recognizes the dignity inherent in every person.”
Santa Monica Rep. Ted Lieu:
California Schools Chief Tom Torlakson, a Democrat:
“I give this budget an ‘F’ grade for failing public school students in California and across the nation. We need to invest more in our public schools, not slash away at programs that help students succeed.”
Tom Steyer, president of NextGen Climate and a big Democratic donor:
“Donald Trump’s budget is a con of epic proportions, proof that his Administration is hellbent on rewarding wealthy special interests by defrauding the American people. Trump told voters that the economy was rigged against them, but his budget would make that more true than ever before, weakening our economy, increasing inequality and hurting the most vulnerable Americans.
“Hard-working Americans—not corporate CEOs—need a raise. It is inexcusable and immoral to reward wealthy and powerful corporations while gutting crucial public programs that millions of Americans rely on for basic necessities like food. A budget is a reflection of our priorities: We need a federal budget that supports our most vulnerable communities, makes smart investments in our future and creates a more just economy for all Americans.”
Ben Monterroso, executive director of Mi Familia Vota, which works for increased Latino civil participation
"(This budget) will disappoint everyone, including those who voted for him, unless they are wealthy. Four months into Trump’s administration, the Latino and immigrant communities have learned to push back on regular assaults from the Trump administration. But the full budget released today should wake up all Americans who have been left out of Trumps’s ‘America First,’ agenda, as outlined in his budget."
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