Politics & Government

Moms Protest Republican Budget

Constituents from Congressman Tim Murphy's district—mostly local moms—protest a budget they say would only hurt parents and children.

If you saw a crowd gathered outside Congressman Tim Murphy's Mt. Lebanon office on Wednesday afternoon, you were witness to a protest against a budget some say is unfair.

Members of the organization PA Working Families, as well as other constituents from Murphy's district, gathered outside his office to protest the Republican 2012 Budget proposal, which they believe to be unfair to mothers and children in particular. The budget was proposed by the office of Republica Representative Paul Ryan.

The budget calls for cuts to Medicare, Medicaid, government spending and repealing 2010 health care legislation.

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Chants of "How much is enough? How much is fair?" rang out over West Liberty Avenue on Wednesday.

Julie Blust of PA Working Families, who helped organizae the protest, said several aspects of the budget directly impact mothers—especially working mothers—and their children.

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"We're arguing to keep these basics that can't afford to be cut," she said.

Murphy's Chief of Staff, Susan Mosychuk, commented on the planned protest Wednesday in an email to Dormont-Brookline Patch.

"Congressman Murphy’s door is open to all of his constituents, so it is very discouraging that once again the protestors choose to stand outside and cause a commotion rather than seek an honest dialogue about critical issues facing our community. In word and in deed, Tim demonstrates his commitment to helping those in need through his work with local food banks, Habitat for Humanity, housing projects for homeless vets and his voting record in Congress protecting critical safety net programs," Mosychuk wrote.

Blust said constituents and members of PA Working Families had contacted Murphy's Mt. Lebanon office to set up a meeting, but had not been successful. A representative from Murphy's office came out and spoke with members of the group following the protest.


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