Grisham Calls the Bush Budget Bad for America

ALBUQUERQUE - First Congressional District Democratic candidate Michelle Lujan Grisham today called on Congress to reject President Bush's budget that cuts money for seniors and children.

"Once again President Bush is targeting those who need help the most - senior citizens, children and the sick," Grisham said. "The price we are paying for the Bush war is felt throughout our economy and indeed increasingly in our daily lives. His priorities are wrong," she said.

Grisham was appointed by three governors to oversee the state's health care and senior care programs. She is a first time candidate who believes her years of service to New Mexico's families gives her the experience needed in Washington.

"The newest Bush budget is further validation of my candidacy. Washington is not listening to us. Our leaders are not leading. It's time to end the war, fix the health care system and address the deficit," she said.

President Bush's budget is the first three trillion proposal in the nation's history. The budget calls for cuts in Medicare for the elderly and in Medicaid.

"This budget is yet more borrowing from China and Japan and other industrialized nations to fund the Bush war and Bush tax cuts for the wealthiest one percent in this country. It's wrong," Grisham said.

"I've spent a life-time working to make a difference for those who need it. Governor Richardson named me Secretary of New Mexico's Department of Health and Aging and Long Term Services Department because he recognized the dedication I brought to the job under Governor's King and Johnson," she said.

Michelle has been a leader in the areas of health policy and senior services for 20 years. She was appointed in 1991 by Governor Bruce King to direct the New Mexico State Agency on Aging. She was reappointed by Governor Gary Johnson in 1995 to continue her leadership at the State Agency on Aging.

for more information contact Matthew Baca 505-269-4100