For Immediate Release:
Monday, August 29, 2005

WASHINGTON D.C - Congressman Dan Boren, in conjunction with the Concord Coalition, will host a “Principles and Priorities” workshop at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, August 30 in Southeastern Oklahoma State University’s Ballroom (1405 N. 4th St., Durant, Okla.).

 

“Discussion of any current issue before Congress is not complete without talking about the impact it will have on the annual budget and national debt,” Boren said.  “It is important that young people become engaged in the budget process because today’s deficits are debts future generations will have to repay.” 

 

“That’s why I invited the Concord Coalition to present their Principles and Priorities workshop on Southeastern campus,” Boren said.  “It demonstrates that every spending choice Congress makes has a ripple effect on other programs – whether it is roads, defense or health care.  There are limited resources and tough decisions to make.”

 

The “Principles and Priorities” exercise and discussion will give participants a better understanding of the issues involved in returning to fiscal responsibility.  They will work in small groups to craft a budget based on real legislation and budget estimates prepared by the Congressional Budget Office.  Group members make the same spending choices Congress must make on which programs will receive increased resources, and which programs will receive less.  Although the event is being held on the campus of Southeastern, the public is invited and encouraged to attend.

 

“Our nation’s financial future is of great concern,” Boren said.  “The President’s budget estimates we will have a $456 billion deficit in 2006, and our national debt will be $8.7 trillion.  We must act to reduce our debt and balance our budget.  I hope this program will help Oklahomans better understand the challenges we face.”

 

The Concord Coalition is a nonpartisan grassroots organization dedicated to informing the public about the need for responsible fiscal policy.  For more information about the Concord Coalition, visit www.concordcoalition.org.

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