Republicans Approve Budget Plan That Punishes the Poor, Elderly and Disabled

GOP Plan Gives More Tax Breaks to the Wealthy

WASHINGTON, D.C.—House Republicans today approved a budget that punishes the poor while giving even more tax breaks to the wealthy. This budget plan also aims to privatize Medicare and cuts the number of employees who process Social Security claims.

The budget plan also would cut taxes by about $4.3 trillion over the next 10 years, but who will get the most tax breaks? People who make more than $200,000 a year. The plan also slashes essential programs like food stamps and it repeals the Affordable Care Act, eliminating tax credits for middle-class families to help them buy health insurance.

“House Republicans either have no idea that there are poor people in America who will suffer even more if this budget is implemented, or have decided to just represent those who make more than $200,000 a year,” said Sandra Cook, Chairperson of Virginia Organizing.

Ryan’s budget also threatens the future of Social Security and Medicare, which will affect millions of Americans. The budget will slash Social Security benefits for middle-class seniors and people with disabilities. And it will wholesale change Medicare into a voucher system, making it more costly for anyone who participates.

“As a person with a disability, I rely on Medicare and Social Security for my livelyhood. Rep. Ryan’s budget could take away my health care and income. The Ryan budget puts people like me on a path to poverty, while the wealthy will continue on the ‘path to prosperity,'” added Cook.