Washington, D.C.– Rep. Raúl M. Grijalva today questioned why Republican leaders have offered a budget resolution that completely eliminates funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, which funds National Public Radio (NPR) and the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS). The measure, formally titled a continuing resolution, slashes funding for government operations for the remainder of fiscal year 2011 and eliminates many programs entirely.

“PBS and NPR aren’t luxury items or disposable toys to be thrown in the garbage,” Grijalva said. “They’re a fundamental and very permanent reminder of what makes free speech and independent media so valuable. I can’t help but wonder why Republicans are so eagerly cutting jobs and locking up company doors even as they talk about an economic recovery.”

If Republicans “are really willing to end ‘Sesame Street,’ they’re no more committed to education than they are to job creation,” Grijalva said. “They support continued subsidies for oil and mining companies with record profits but think children’s and public affairs programming deserve to be eliminated. The record speaks for itself.”

A vote on the resolution is expected by the end of the week.