As children we were taught that two 'wrongs' do not add up to a 'right.' It reinforces the simple idea that we shouldn't try to fix a mistake with another mistake.
Last week, Senator Rubio expressed that Congress “probably went too far” in cutting taxes for large corporations. According to the Florida Senator, “Some of them will be forced, because they’re sitting on historic levels of cash, to pay out dividends to shareholders. That isn’t going to create dramatic economic growth.”
Those large tax cuts do, however, leave the government with $1.5 trillion less in revenue over 10 years. Whatever marginal benefit middle and low-income Floridians receive with temporary tax breaks will be eliminated by what comes next.
House Leader Paul Ryan has been very clear about his plans to target Medicaid, Medicare, and Social Security to help pay for these tax cuts. These crucial programs provide some measure of financial and health security for millions of hard-working Americans. Weakening them will do more damage to American families than the needed but token gesture of a $2,000 tax break.
The plan to eliminate "entitlements" should scare Floridians in particular.
Our senior population is growing fast enough to have earned the name "Silver Tsunami." Between 2010 and 2030, Florida’s population is forecast to grow by almost 5,000,000 residents. Of that growth, Florida’s older population (over 60 years of age) will account for the most, approximately 2,760,000 residents. With the aging Baby Boom generation, by 2030, the population aged 65 and over is forecast to represent 27.1 percent of the total Florida population. Among the population turning 65 today, 69% will need some form of long-term care, whether in the community or in a residential care facility.
At a time like this, Medicaid, Medicare, and Social Security need to be strengthened, not defunded.
Beyond the elderly, Medicaid is a lifeline for working parents, children, and Floridians with disabilities. Over 4 million Floridians, including nearly half of all Florida children, rely on Medicaid for care. Medicaid is also the primary funder of long term care for Florida’s seniors and persons with disabilities.
These snapshots from the Florida Policy Institute highlight the importance of Medicaid to local residents in all 67 Florida counties.
Congress is back at work on an agenda that will clearly hurt Floridians. We can't afford to wait on the release of a bad bill. Contact Florida's Representatives today and let them know where you stand.