WASHINGTON – (INT) – Reaction to President Trump’s proposed budget for Fiscal 2018 is drawing an assortment of local reaction mostly along party lines.

Republican Ken Calvert of Corona, a member of the Appropriations Committee, said the budget “clearly emphasizes our national security and protecting our borders” and acknowledged that “Our committee will be faced with making some difficult decisions”.

Democrats were not that kind.

Norma Torres of Pomona said the budget “is an irresponsible and short-sighted vision for America that places the greatest burden on American families and hardworking communities.”

Mark Takano of Riverside was more specific. “The budget eliminates the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) and reassign its responsibilities to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). Takano pointed out “Though both are tasked with addressing civil rights issues related to employment, the purposes of the OFCCP and the EEOC are distinct.”

University of California President Janet Napolitano urged Congress to immediately begin work on a revised budget proposal "that makes meaningful investments to help our students, protect our patients and keep America's research enterprise preeminent." The University of California currently receives more than $8 billion in federal support.

Story Date: May 27, 2017