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You know just how hard things are right now, but the Super Committee either doesn't understand -- or just doesn't care.Today, as co-chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus (CPC), I held a hearing today with some of the country's top economists to talk about the importance of job creation and protecting our social safety net. We invited the members of the deficit reduction "Super Committee" -- but none of them showed up. Rather than asking the 1% to pay their fair share, the Super Committee is going after the vital programs that make America strong -- these cuts would have a drastic impact on the health and financial security of far too many Americans. Join me and my friends at Democracy for America in telling them we will stand strong -- no cuts to Medicare and Medicaid benefits.
Over the past several months, I have offered constructive recommendations for deficit reduction while stressing the need to put Americans back to work -- there are real solutions to our debt crisis that don't hurt the 99%.Congress's top priority must be job creation. The Super Committee should be listening to the working people of this nation who reject proposed austerity measures.They should be asking the 1% to pay their fair share.In this economic crisis, the last thing we should be talking about is slashing the program that provides health coverage for our seniors and the most vulnerable.We must leave Medicare and Medicaid benefits off the table.
Let's send a message so loud the Super Committee can't ignore it -- join me and almost 100,000 Democracy for America Members to say -- no cuts to Medicare and Medicaid benefits.
It's time to focus on fair solutions. Together we can stand up for the 99%.Peace.
Congressman Raul M. Grijalva Co-Chair, Congressional Progressive Caucus
