Public health professionals attack Rehberg’s irresponsible spending plan

Association expresses “deep dismay” over Congressman’s controversial proposal

BILLINGS, Mont.—The oldest organization of public health professionals in the country is attacking Congressman Dennis Rehberg for eliminating medical research and preventative health programs in his irresponsible spending plan.

The American Public Health Association expressed “deep dismay over harmful cuts to critical health programs” in the dangerous plan that Rehberg introduced as the head of a committee that oversees federal spending for health and human services programs.

Rehberg’s drastic cuts to medical research and health care services will help Rehberg achieve his goal of consistently protecting tax breaks for millionaires.

However, the American Public Health Association believes the human costs of Rehberg’s controversial plan outweigh any short-term savings.

“The measure undercuts our efforts in communities across the country to promote health and prevent disease. The long-term medical and human costs will far outweigh any short-term savings,” said Dr. Georges Benjamin, executive director of the American Public Health Association.

The Association is one of several organizations calling for the flat-out rejection of the bill.

Rehberg’s unpopular legislation would also zero out funding for Title X, a federal initiative that provides cancer screenings, family planning and other life-saving health services to more than 27,000 Montanans.

The American Public Health Association’s full statement on Rehberg’s spending proposal is online HERE.

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