Legislation to cut aid to kids, seniors, the disabled and low-income

| 29 Sep 2011 | 08:03

    TRENTON — A federal budget reconciliation bill scheduled to be considered in the U.S. House of Representatives next week will cut aid and services to New Jersey students, children, seniors, the disabled and low- income residents, according to Democrats and social services officials who held a news conference criticizing the measure Monday. New Jersey Citizen Action, an independent watchdog agency, sponsored the event, which was attended by Democratic Reps. Frank Pallone and Rush Holt, and state Assemblyman Herb Conaway Jr. The proposed legislation would cut $40 billion in health care, student loans, child support enforcement, help for parents moving from welfare to work, and other programs nationwide, opponents contend. The House narrowly approved the legislation during a late-night session Dec. 19. Because it was altered slightly in the Senate, the House must approve the revised bill. ``With time to analyze the bill’s full impact, it is clear that many provisions, a number of them unknown before and even during the night of the first House vote, will deny assistance to and impose costs on the people of New Jersey,’’ Citizen Action said in a statement. The group urged Republicans in New Jersey’s congressional delegation to oppose the cuts. Rep. Chris Smith voted against the bill previously.