“The so-called ‘skinny budget’ plan President Trump released today is alarming evidence that his vision does not reflect our country’s priorities, and that he does not intend to govern in ways that support women, working families and our most vulnerable populations. If Congress were to adopt this budget, we would lose core protections and supports that help people live healthy, productive lives. Such a radical drop in funding for our health, our workplaces, our schools, our environment and our day-to-day lives is dangerous for our future. All members of Congress should declare this budget ‘dead on arrival.’ Among our grave concerns:

• Deep cuts to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services budget would undermine the agency’s ability to protect essential services, including women’s health care, at this time when the agency should be working to provide quality, affordable coverage for everyone.

• A 21 percent cut to the U.S. Department of Labor’s budget would mean the loss of key resources that are needed for job training programs and to promote the safe, fair and family friendly workplaces our country needs.

• Cutting funding for essential U.S. Department of Justice programs would weaken the department’s ability to enforce our nation’s civil rights laws. And cuts to the Legal Services Corporation would threaten a lifeline to justice for women, lower-wage workers, people in rural communities, communities of color and immigrant communities.

• Slashing billions from education, housing and environmental protection would erode cornerstone government programs and devastate us all. These cuts would increase homelessness, reduce educational opportunities for the millions of students who strive to succeed in our public schools, cut access to nutritious food and potentially expose millions to environmental hazards.

This budget plan stands in stark contrast to what our country needs, and what we aspire to be as a nation. It would turn back the clock on some of our most basic protections and instead redirect resources to walls and barriers that divide rather than unite. As leaders in Congress advance next year’s budget, they must reject the president’s reckless and draconian plans and instead protect the essential programs and services that strengthen our nation’s most precious resource – its people.”