GBPI statement in response to the passage of the congressional stopgap bill
ATLANTA, GEORGIA — Today, the Georgia Budget and Policy Institute (GBPI) released a statement in response to Congress averting a government shutdown by passing a stopgap bill allowing agencies and programs that rely on annual appropriations to remain operational until November 17, 2023. It’s imperative that members of Congress quickly come to an agreement that will prevent harm to families across the state and the nation.
Statement from GBPI President and CEO Staci Fox:
“While we acknowledge the efforts of Congress to ensure continued operation of the federal agencies and services, we emphasize the need for Congress to pass funding bills that meet the needs of people, communities and the economy. That means coming together for bipartisan solutions and rejecting many of the partisan House-passed bills that would cut key programs for low-income people, climate change initiatives and the Internal Revenue System and include harmful riders that undermine racial and gender equity. In particular, the House and the Senate should focus on families with children. Congress must fully fund WIC to ensure that nearly 7 million parents and young children, including more than 220,000 in Georgia, have access to formula and nutritious foods. Finally, Congress must prevent harm to our economy and take action to stop child care providers from closing.”
GBPI urges our elected officials to prioritize bipartisan collaboration and fiscal responsibility to pass a comprehensive appropriations bill that allows for a strategic allocation of resources, promotes federal programs and ensures that critical initiatives receive the necessary support to address the needs of our nation.
About GBPI:
The Georgia Budget and Policy Institute (GBPI) strives to be an anti-racist research and advocacy organization that advances lasting solutions to expand economic opportunity and well-being for all Georgians. We examine the state’s budget, taxes and public policies to provide thoughtful analysis and responsible solutions that address inequities in our state. We educate the public about complex issues confronting Georgia. We activate Georgians to call for policy solutions that put people first. We aim to inspire informed debate and decision-making, advancing our vision of a fair and inclusive Georgia where everyone can prosper.
###
