Retirees Applaud Budget Deal
May 1, 2017
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Funding for Coal Miners’ Health Care, NIH is just what the Doctor Ordered
The following statement was issued by Richard Fiesta, Executive Director of the Alliance for Retired Americans, in response to media reports that Congressional leaders have reached a broad government funding agreement through the end of September.
“Retirees are pleased that a reasonable and fair deal has been reached to fund the government for the next five months.
“The agreement permanently extends expiring health insurance benefits for coal miners and their families. They have earned this coverage after years of hard work in often dangerous conditions.
“We are also gratified that the National Institutes of Health (NIH) will get a $2 billion funding boost during those months. We have come a long way in a short time since President Trump’s recent proposal to cut $1.2 billion from NIH in the current fiscal year.
“We remain concerned about NIH funding for 2018, however, given that President Trump has called for slashing its budget by $5.8 billion.
“We give Democrats in Congress special credit for ensuring that there is appropriate funding for the miners’ health care and Alzheimer’s research, given the turbulent political climate in Washington.”
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For a printable version of this press release, click here.
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