Presidential hopeful John Kerry told a New Hampshire audience he would spend $25 billion to aid states struggling with budget deficits. Speaking Thursday at the University of New Hampshire, Kerry said the plan is part of a broader effort to jump-start the economy and spur job creation.
His two-year plan is designed to help states that have had to cut education spending and lay off police officers and firefighters. Kerry’s plan includes retaining the child tax credit, reducing the marriage penalty and lowering tax rates in the Bush administration’s proposal.
Unlike other Democratic presidential hopefuls, Kerry says he opposes repealing Bush’s entire tax cut. The Massachusetts Senator says his plan would provide relief to middle-class families.