February 12, 2020

Manchin Statement On President Trump's FY 2021 Budget Proposal

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) today issued the following statement on President Trump’s FY 2021 budget proposal and how it will affect West Virginia.

“West Virginians always take care of each other. We provide food to those who are hungry, shelter to those in need, and support to anyone who needs a helping hand. As governor, I learned that our budgets are a reflection of our priorities and the Administration’s FY 2021 budget is not in line with West Virginia values or priorities. This budget creates roadblocks to accessing Medicare and Medicaid directly affecting the lives of hundreds of thousands of West Virginians, severely underfunds or outright eliminates economic development programs that greatly benefit our state, and yet somehow still leaves our country with nearly $1 trillion in deficits. It’s unacceptable. I always think of my grandmother Momma Kay’s saying ‘if you can count your blessings you can share your blessings’. Some Americans can count their blessings, and it’s time we work so that everyone can. I hope that in the coming months Congress and the President can agree on a reasonable, fiscally responsible but socially compassionate budget that works for all Americans.”

Last week Senator Manchin sent a letter to the President outlining the West Virginia priorities that he will be working to include in the budget as a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee. To read Senator Manchin’s letter click here.

The President’s budget eliminates or significantly cuts funding for the following programs:

  • Economic Development Administration (EDA) – WV has been the largest recipient of funding per capita through EDA largely through the Assistance to Coal Communities Grants.
  • Abandoned Mine Land Grant Program
  • Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) fund
  • Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program
  • Airport Improvement Program – WV airports rely on this funding for runway rehabilitation and safety upgrades.
  • Amtrak Long Distance Routes – Including the Cardinal and Capital Limited that travel through WV.
  • Land & Water Conservation Fund: $470 million decrease from current appropriated funding (-97%) – Senator Manchin worked to reauthorize this program through the Public Lands Package with significant bipartisan support.
  • National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) (-44.6%) – Morgantown is home to the regional NIOSH branch.
  • Department of Education (-7.8%)