Budget provides political battleground for Obama
By Leesa Riviere
Graduating seniors may have to add another worry to their growing list of things to worry about post-graduation: the federal budget.
The changes include increased taxes for the wealthy, but also cuts to programs that may affect Santa Clara's graduating class of 2011.
"Groups that are already marginalized and work hard for benefits are hit the hardest," said senior senior Carolyn Jones, "it cuts services from those who need it the most and are working for them."
President Barack Obama and Congress approach crucial decisions on spending and the national debt the president said he thinks a bipartisan accord is possible.
"I think it's fair to say that their vision is radical," Obama told a town hall gathering that included questions posed by Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg and sent in by site users.
"Nothing is easier than solving a problem on the backs of people who are poor, or people who are powerless, or don't have lobbyists, or don't have clout," Obama said.
Republicans in Congress argue strenuously that Obama's deficit prescription would accomplish far too little and relies on economically damaging tax increases.
Cuts were still present in the budget proposal, however, such as those made to the industries of community development and manufacturing, which may lead to significant loss of jobs and career opportunities for recent college graduates and graduating seniors requiring income to finance living expenses and repay federal loan aid.
The majority of the programs previously listed only received partial cuts in spending, as opposed to being eliminated from the budget altogether, but still may have an impact on the future economy, job market and benefits for graduating college students in the following years.
Debate over funding for these programs and many more ensue while details are still being finalized and modified for the 2011-2012 budget.
Julie Pace of the Associated Press contributed to this article. Contact Leesa at lriviere@scu.edu.