Senior Letter - September 2011
Dear Friends:
As Congress moves forward in its efforts to find a long term solution to our growing deficit, I will continue to fight to protect our shared priorities, including Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid. Last month, what I think was a bad debt/budget "deal" was signed into law. That deal was not a compromise. It threatened programs that are vital to seniors, students, and working families, and protected special interests, corporations and the fabulously wealthy. Its failure to invest in jobs and economic growth – in infrastructure, research and development, and education – was shortsighted and economically unsound.
Indeed, this deal has served only to cause further harm to the economy. Since the bill's passage the United States' credit rating has been downgraded for the first time in history, the stock market has experienced the biggest sell off since 2008 and the credit agencies have downgraded other government entities such as Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and the debt of a variety of towns and cities across the country.
As Congress returns to session this month, it is critical that we refocus our energy on reviving our economy and creating jobs. We cannot continue to allow some in Congress to place the bulk of our financial burdens on the backs of everyday Americans. I support efforts to responsibly reduce spending, while closing tax loopholes for corporations and eliminating the Bush tax cuts for the wealthiest among us. And, certainly, we must protect key domestic programs like Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid and education
In recent years, we have taken positive steps to lower health care costs and strengthen benefits. Through the Affordable Care Act passed last year, we strengthened preventive care benefits and lowered prescription drug costs for seniors who enter the Part D donut hole. This progress must be built upon, not torn down.
Throughout this process, I had hoped that the willingness I, and many of my Democratic colleagues, showed to compromise would lead to a deal that shared our burden fairly and reasonably across all Americans. While we continue to struggle to find that balance, trust that I will protect our priorities in the months ahead.
I hope that you find this letter helpful and informative. If you have any further questions regarding these matters or others of importance to you, please do not hesitate to contact Cheryl Gresek, Constituent Service Representative, in my Peabody office at (978) 531-1669. You should also feel free to visit www.Tierney.house.gov or www.Facebook.com/CongressmanJohnTierney for additional useful information. I look forward to seeing you soon.
Sincerely,
John F. Tierney
Member of Congress
