MILLILONS OF CALIFORNIA SENIORS, CHILDREN AND DISABLED COULD BE HARMED BY LAME DUCK CONGRESSIONAL DEAL TO CUT SOCIAL SECURITY, MEDICARE AND MEDICAID

Opponents to deliver photos of loved ones to be harmed by cuts at Rep. Hunter's office Wed. 

November 27, 2012 (Oakland)--Nearly 5 million Californians could be negatively impacted if Congress cuts Social Security, including 662,232 people with disabilities and 364,365 children, according to a new AFL-CIO report.

Of 11 million Californians who get health care coverage from Medicaid, 4.4 million children and nearly a million seniors could be affected if the lame duck Congress cuts Medicaid benefits. As the “fiscal cliff” approaches, members of Congress have suggested cutting these safety net programs, while calling for extending tax cuts benefitting the richest 2%.

Opponents of the cuts are asking constituents of Congressman Duncan Hunter to deliver photos of loved ones who would be hurt by the cuts to his office Wednesday at 1870 Cordell Avenue in El Cajon.

If those tax cuts are renewed, the richest 2% in California would receive an average tax break of $30,820, while the rest of Californians would receive an average of $1,440. The 2012 House Republican budget plan would cut federal support to California’s Medicaid program by at least $85 billion (22%) over 10 years.

“We can’t afford to let lame duck legislators in Washington play politics with our social safety net,” said California Labor Federation Executive Secretary-Treasurer Art Pulaski. “We need to protect Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security benefits for those among us who need it the most. Retirees, people with disabilities and children shouldn’t have to suffer because some in Congress want to give more tax breaks to the richest 2%.  It’s time for the rich to pay their fair share, and it’s time for our elected officials to strengthen these and other vital programs that create jobs and support the middle class.”

Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid deliver $156.7 billion a year into California’s economy.

California’s working families have been mobilizing around the lame duck session and will continue calling on Congress to end tax cuts for the richest 2% and to say no to cuts to Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security. For more information and highlights from the report, visit http://bit.ly/1119SsR.