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Chairman Becerra, Seniors Task Force Chairs Call On Speaker Ryan To Reject Budget Proposal That Cuts Seniors Programs


Washington, DC–(ENEWSPF)–March 4, 2016.  Today, Democratic Caucus Chairman Xavier Becerra (CA-34) and Seniors Task Force Co-Chairs, Jan Schakowsky (IL-09) and Doris Matsui (CA-06), released the following statement after sending a letter along with 88 other House Democrats to Speaker Paul Ryan urging him to bring forward a budget that does not include further cuts seniors programs.

“For over 80 years and through 13 recessions, Social Security has never failed to pay in full and on time to every American who earned their benefits,” said Democratic Caucus Chairman Xavier Becerra. “At the same time, Social Security has never added a penny to the national debt or budget deficits. Congress should be working to build on Social Security’s success not cut seniors’ COLA.”

“Senior citizens’ retirement security should not be sacrificed in order to cut the deficit or fund tax breaks for the rich,” said Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky. “Five years ago, Rep. Paul Ryan put out his Road Map for America’s Future, a budget that provided tax breaks for the very wealthy while cutting health, long-term care and retirement security programs for older Americans. Every Republican budget offered since then has continued down that same path – cutting benefits, underfunding senior housing and nutrition needs, and threatening Medicaid, Medicare and Social Security. Today we are asking Speaker Ryan to reverse course — to put the needs of senior citizens and their families ahead of Republican priorities to provide unpaid-for tax breaks to those who do not need them.”

“Older Americans who have worked hard their whole lives to achieve retirement security don’t deserve cuts to essential benefits that they and their families have earned,” said Congresswoman Doris Matsui. “Past Republican budgets included real, damaging consequences for seniors, jeopardizing critical services like caregiver assistance, health care, and housing programs. I will continue to fight to strengthen — not weaken — critical programs like Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security, because we need to make sure that our seniors have the resources they need to maintain a healthy and dignified retirement.”

To view the full text of the letter, please click here.

Source: http://www.schakowsky.house.gov


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