I offered some small amendments to meet some critical situations. The Nations population of senior citizens has been growing rapidly. and the original conference agreement included a $30 million increase for community services for older Americans. which I had sponsored. The agreement also contained $21 million to aid local school districts heavily impacted by refugees. A Federal policy to allow a massive influx of 150.000 Cuban and Haitian refugees requires Federal financial assistance to the local governments whose taxpayers get the bill for extra schools. police. fire protection and hospitals. While the Senate amendment to provide relief to school districts was dropped from the strippeddown version. I am pleased that the additional $192 million to offset State and local costs for resettlement. welfare medical and social services is still included. It was kept in because it. was provided in both Houses version of the bill. When added to the $100 million we put in the 1980 supplemental appropriation. this $192 million will go a long way toward reducing the financial burden caused by the recent flow of refugees. Mr. President. if we are ever going to meet the publics demands for a balanced budget and lower taxes. while still meeting the Nations critical needs for improved defense. energy. resources. and the wellbeing of the retired population. we are going to have to adopt the approach to budgetmaking which I have pushed for.
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refugees