North Country Congresswoman Elise Stefanik says the budget President Barack Obama proposed last week raises taxes and increases debt.

“The President’s plan calls for $2.1 trillion in new taxes and never manages to balance our budget. In fact, it would add $8.5 trillion to our national debt over the next ten years,” she said in a prepared statement.

“This would be irresponsible, and the best way to reduce our deficits and begin paying down our $18 trillion national debt is to get our economy growing. To do this we need to work together to pursue comprehensive tax reform to close loopholes, lower rates and make our economy more competitive. The President’s tax proposals pick winners and losers in our tax code and I favor a comprehensive approach to get our economy growing.”

Despite her criticism, Stefanik, a Republican, said she was pleased that the budget proposal was presented in a timely fashion. Stefanik assumed her seat in January, replacing Democrat Bill Owens who declined to seek reelection.

“I commend President Obama for putting forth his budget on time this year,” she said. “While there is much I disagree with, I am pleased that the President’s plan includes needed relief from the sequester’s automatic defense spending cuts.”

As a member of the House Armed Services Committee, “restoring this funding will be a key priority of mine as well to help maintain our military readiness as well as protect and strengthen Fort Drum,” she said.

“In the coming weeks I look forward to working with my colleagues in the House on a budget plan that will restore funding for key priorities like national defense, while preserving our nation’s finances for future generations by bringing our books to balance,” she said.