The National Black Caucus of State Legislators Goes to the White House, Releases Official Statement on the Fiscal Cliff

WASHINGTON - (BUSINESS WIRE) - The National Black Caucus of State Legislators (NBCSL) joined President Barack Obama at a private White House meeting on Tuesday to discuss the fiscal cliff and other policy issues. Former NBCSL member, President Barack Obama urged legislators to join him in asking Congress towards a fair, equitable deal for the middle class. Representing over 600 legislators from 45 states, NBCSL agreed to support President Obama's plan and committed to rallying constituents across the nation as well.

President Barack Obama drops by a National Black Caucus of State Legislators meeting to discuss a balanced approach to the debt limit and deficit reduction, in the Roosevelt Room of the White House, Dec. 4, 2012. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

"We will join you in calling upon Congress to raise revenue by asking those who can afford it to pay a little more in taxes, and to cut spending in a way that is smart and sustainable in the short and long term," said President Barbara W. Ballard (KS). "Preventing cuts to programs that are helping people is the only way to continue the progress we've all made on the path to economic recovery."

NBCSL also shared its legislative priorities to improve the quality of life for all Americans. The successful implementation of many of these priorities is contingent upon the results of current federal government negotiations on the fiscal cliff. Priorities include affordable housing and homeownership, small business expansion, affordable health care, rebuilding infrastructure, education, and job creation.