Rick Allen: “Republicans are demanding an additional $10 to $30 billion in Medicare cuts. Why? Not to extend the life of the Medicare…”

“Republicans are demanding an additional $10 to $30 billion in Medicare cuts. Why? Not to extend the life of the Medicare part A trust fund, not to improve the program for the 38 million seniors and disabled who depend on it. No, the additional cuts proposed by the majority are needed to fund tax breaks for the wealthy. The new crown jewel, costing $300 billion over the next 5 years, involves eliminating all estate and capital gains taxes. Some tax relief makes sense, but only after we balance the Federal budget and invest in our future. Tax breaks for the wealthy are the wrong priority for this Congress. Our children must be our top priority. Children's health insurance, quality, affordable child care, improved education, and confronting drug and alcohol abuse, that is the heart of our future and ought to be part of our budget.”