Carper Kicks Off “Balancing Budget Priorities” Tour

WILMINGTON, DE – Congress faces tough choices about the future of social security, Medicare, defense spending and investments in education. Senator Tom Carper is asking Delawareans to present their priorities at town hall meetings across the state. Carper kicks off his “Tough Choices: Balancing Budget Priorities” tour Monday at a town hall meetings in Newark. The meetings are open to the public and press. “The budget is the statement of our nation’s priorities. It is a question of how much we value national security, social security and fiscal responsibility.” Carper said. “Before big debates in the Senate on issues like tackling terrorism and the farm bill, Delawareans came to town hall meetings and shared their invaluable experience and opinions with me. I invite everyone to join the conversation and to discuss how our priorities will impact the federal budget.” Congress has until April 15th to respond to the President’s budget. The Senate is scheduled to begin the debate once it returns from the Easter recess. Carper held similar town-hall tours before federal debates on prescription drugs assistance for seniors; federal energy legislation; national education reform, tackling terrorism and the farm bill. NEWARK: Monday, March 25, 2002 7:00 p.m. to 9:00p.m. Del Tech Stanton Campus 400 Stanton-Christiana Road DOVER: Thursday, April 4, 2002 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. Delaware Technical & Community College, Terry Campus Scarborough Road, Training & Conference Center Room 400A GEORGETOWN: Monday, April 8, 2002 6:30 p.m. – 8:30p.m. Del Tech College – Jack Owens Campus, Rt. 18 Carter Partnership Ctr. Room 529