LaHood critical of Trump’s proposed cuts to education, agriculture

Posted on May 23, 2017

U.S. Rep. Darin LaHood says he has problems with President Trump’s first budget proposal, in particular, his plan to eliminate public-service loan forgiveness for college students. (Photo courtesy Facebook/Darin LaHood)

By Eric Stock

WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump’s first federal budget proposal due to be released Tuesday would make steep cuts to many social safety nets and to education.

Republican Congressman Darin LaHood of Peoria said he doesn’t want to see public-service loan forgiveness be eliminated.

PODCAST: Listen to Scott and Patti’s interview with LaHood on WJBC.

“I have real concerns with the president’s proposed budget cuts as it pertains to this,” LaHood said. “I think this is a program that has worked well, that has saved taxpayer money in the long run and it’s given kids opportunities that they wouldn’t have had but for this program.”

LaHood also took issue with proposed cuts to Medicaid and some agriculture programs.

“A number of these things will have a detrimental effect on people in my district,” LaHood said. “I’ll have a say in putting that money back in there and making sure we protect the people that need those resources.”

The Washington Post reports the Trump administration plan to cut $10.6 billion from federal education initiatives.

Eric Stock can be reached at [email protected].

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