Rob Andrews: “I support the Van Hollen budget because it recognizes that reducing our deficit is important, and that fiscal restraint…”

“I support the Van Hollen budget because it recognizes that reducing our deficit is important, and that fiscal restraint, spending cuts, more revenues in a balanced way, is the way to do that. But I also support it because it chooses American economic growth over the European-style austerity. Prior to 1965, in this country, when you got old and retired, you moved in with your kids and hoped you didn't get sick. And only the very lucky or the very wealthy got to go to college. In 1965, two things changed. We adopted Medicare that said that retired people had health security, and we adopted the Higher Education Act that said that sons and daughters of truckdrivers and teachers could get a college education. What happened? Prior to 1965, on a per capita basis, our economy grew by $323 per person per year. After 1965, our economy grew by $523 per person per year. Investing in Medicare, investing in education yields growth. The Republican budget ends the Medicare guarantees and will severely raise the cost of going to college for American families. Vote ``yes'' on the Van Hollen plan. {time} 1650”