“President Obama signaled his support for women and families in the Fiscal Year 2012 budget he released Monday. From family planning to caregiver supports to measures that make our workplaces more fair and family-friendly, the Administration’s budget proposal is fiscally responsible but prioritizes many programs and initiatives that protect the rights and health of women, workers, seniors, people living in or near poverty, those facing discrimination and other vulnerable communities.

The Obama budget proposal stands in stark contrast to the callous, ideologically-driven proposal from the House Appropriations Committee which would eliminate critical women’s health programs, harm family economic security and imperil our fragile economic recovery.

We are especially pleased that President Obama proposes to increase funds for the Title X family planning programs that millions of low-income women rely on; make timely implementation of the Affordable Care Act a priority; continue investing in the modernization of our health care system through health information technology; provide $96 million for the Administration’s Caregiver Initiative; strengthen anti-discrimination enforcement; and provide $23 million for a State Paid Family Leave Fund to spur state innovation in launching paid leave programs.

We are, however, disappointed that the President would make deep and painful cuts to some programs designed to help low-income seniors as well as some key community services. We urge Congress to reject those cuts, which will cause real hardship across the nation.

As lawmakers complete the federal budgets for the rest of Fiscal Year 2011 and Fiscal Year 2012, we urge those on both sides of the political aisle to remember that every American deserves quality affordable health care, all working families need a chance at economic security, and we all have a responsibility to support the most vulnerable people in our communities. Our spending decisions must advance those vital goals.”