Bush's 2009 Budget Request Includes Health-Related Cuts, Increased Abstinence Funding

February 6, 2008

Earlier this week, President Bush released his $3.1 trillion 2009 budget request, which includes freezes and decreases for the budgets of many health programs, alongside massive defense spending. The budget documents are difficult to sift through, but a few health-related proposals are worth noting.

Among the cuts and lack of increases:

  • No increase in funding for the National Institutes of Health, which funds a vast amount of medical research
  • A $412 million (~4.5%) decrease in program funding for Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
  • An $995 million (~14%) reduction in program funds for the Health Resources and Services Administration, including flat funding for Title X family planning and decreases in funding for healthcare workforce development.
  • A $198 million (~6%) decrease for the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.
  • Flat funding for child welfare and child abuse prevention under the Administration for Children and Families
  • Nearly 30% reduction in international family planning and reproductive health funding

The kicker? The budget includes $191 million for abstinence-only education through the Administration for Children and Families, a $28 million increase (~17%).

Additional coverage of and reactions to the 2009 proposed budget:

Note: If you find additional relevant changes in the 2009 budget proposal, please let us know in the comments.

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