60 Plus Chairman Jim Martin says Obama tax hike proposal ‘a disaster.’

(Alexandria, Virginia) – 60 Plus Association Chairman Jim Martin released the following statement in response to today’s speech by President Obama concerning the nation’s budget:

“Once again President Obama has shown he is not serious about getting our nation off the track to bankruptcy and economic ruin, or fixing entitlements that will affect all of America’s current and future seniors.  His proposal feeds Washington’s insatiable appetite to spend more of our money and push our nation further into debt.

“For those of us who held out hope that the President would finally get serious about the real danger America faces as the world’s largest debtor nation, this is a true disappointment.  The problem is simple; Washington has a spending problem, and that will not be fixed by raising taxes so that Washington can spend even more.

“Most distressing is the President’s willingness to ignore entitlements and let them wither away. This same President picked the bones of Medicare to the tune of over $500 billion in order to fund his new health care legislation. His primary Medicare reform is ‘price controls’ which means rationing care. Under his leadership, Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security will be mere shells instead of vital programs for the elderly and poor.

“We believe that the budget plan offered by House Budget Chairman Paul Ryan (R-WI) is by far the most serious and responsible proposal yet advanced to put our nation back on firm financial footing, pay down our debt, and reform entitlements so future generations can enjoy the fruit of their labors.  The Ryan plan both saves and extends Medicare through innovative and flexible reforms, which ensures care and access to those who need it most.  “We urge all Americans who care about the future of our nation to contact their Congressman and Senator, and tell them to support the provisions outlined in the Ryan plan.”

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