Murray seeks public input on budget

Sen. Patty Murray (Wash.), the chairwoman of the upper chamber's Budget Committee, is seeking public input as Senate Democrats seek to pass their first budget in four years. 

Murray on Monday launched MyBudget, an online vehicle that allows citizens to talk about their budget priorities and how government programs affect their lives.

"I feel very strongly that politicians and bureaucrats shouldn’t be making our budget decisions in a vacuum, but that the ideas, stories, values, and priorities of families across the country have a loud voice at the table and a platform to be heard," Murray said. 

The Washington senator launched the online tool less than a week after she confirmed that Democrats would move a budget through her committee. Senate Democrats last passed a budget in April 2009. 

Senate Democrats have also said that their framework would provide a stark contrast to the budget produced by Rep. Paul Ryan (R-Wis.) and House Republicans. 

In launching MyBudget, Murray talked about raising further revenues, a topic that Republicans say they have no interest in, and strengthening programs like Medicare. 

House Republicans have said they will produce a budget that balances in a decade, which is quicker than the last two efforts from Ryan and will likely require deeper cuts. 

The House also passed a measure last week that tied a short-term measure to push back the fight over the debt ceiling with a proposal to withhold lawmaker pay if the House or Senate fail to pass a budget.

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