Thursday, November 17, 2005
Press Release: from Reps. Ford and Spratt
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
From the Offices of Reps. Harold Ford (D-TN) and John Spratt (D-SC)
Republican Budget Neglects Rural Communities
The House Republicans’ budget proposal decimates resources for rural communities, slashing critical Amtrak routes and subjecting millions of customers to higher electricity prices.
By reducing federal subsidies for Amtrak, Republicans propose to deprive Americans with few transportation alternatives of a vital public service. Their budget cuts five routes that are essential to the survival of small communities.
“Amtrak is the backbone of rural economies like those in my district,” said Congressman John Spratt, D-SC. “With their proposal, Republicans are attempting to break the back of rural communities,” Spratt said. Democrats, who want to preserve Amtrak, appreciate the vital link it provides isolated communities, Spratt added.
Rural families in Tennessee, Mississippi, Kentucky, Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina, and Virginia also face higher electricity prices under the Republicans’ proposal to sell most of the Tennessee Valley Authority’s electric power assets. Since its inception in 1933 the TVA has provided low-cost power to residents – primarily Southern farmers – forgotten by big power companies. Presently serving 8.6 million customers, the TVA protects the environment, encourages innovation and energy independence, and contributes to the region’s economy.
“A vote to sell the TVA is a vote against rural Americans,” Congressman Harold Ford, D-TN said of the Republicans’ proposal. Ford noted that Democrats recognize the necessity of maintaining the TVA. “Rural communities can trust Democrats to protect their interests.”
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From the Offices of Reps. Harold Ford (D-TN) and John Spratt (D-SC)
Republican Budget Neglects Rural Communities
The House Republicans’ budget proposal decimates resources for rural communities, slashing critical Amtrak routes and subjecting millions of customers to higher electricity prices.
By reducing federal subsidies for Amtrak, Republicans propose to deprive Americans with few transportation alternatives of a vital public service. Their budget cuts five routes that are essential to the survival of small communities.
“Amtrak is the backbone of rural economies like those in my district,” said Congressman John Spratt, D-SC. “With their proposal, Republicans are attempting to break the back of rural communities,” Spratt said. Democrats, who want to preserve Amtrak, appreciate the vital link it provides isolated communities, Spratt added.
Rural families in Tennessee, Mississippi, Kentucky, Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina, and Virginia also face higher electricity prices under the Republicans’ proposal to sell most of the Tennessee Valley Authority’s electric power assets. Since its inception in 1933 the TVA has provided low-cost power to residents – primarily Southern farmers – forgotten by big power companies. Presently serving 8.6 million customers, the TVA protects the environment, encourages innovation and energy independence, and contributes to the region’s economy.
“A vote to sell the TVA is a vote against rural Americans,” Congressman Harold Ford, D-TN said of the Republicans’ proposal. Ford noted that Democrats recognize the necessity of maintaining the TVA. “Rural communities can trust Democrats to protect their interests.”
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posted by Leslie H # 6:59 PM 
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