Congressman Paul Ryan came back to his hometown to face mixed reactions from constituents as he took questions and comments on his plan for the federal budget. The Janesville Republican told the standing room only crowd that the key to climbing out of the recession is to control spending.
The House Budget Chairman also talked about federal bureaucracy and inefficiency in job training programs. He claims there are 49 such programs, spread across nine different agencies, with little oversight on their effectiveness.
“So what we propose is to consolidate a lot of these programs and convert them to scholarships for people who get laid off,” said Ryan referencing the closing of the nearby GM plant.
A change in Defense spending was also addressed. “We also budget for the war by the way they haven’t done in the past,” he said, explaining emergency supplemental funds were instead on the war. When the Republican Congressman admitted the Bush Administration was guilty of this, a listener yelled out, “Amen!”
The audience applauded as he entered although some seemed skeptical about his plans to cut spending. Others said he didn’t give straightforward answers to some questions.
Ryan continues his tour of the First Congressional District next week.
AUDIO: Ryan listening session montage (:54)
Beth Wheelock-WCLO