Runyan: Vow To Preserve SS And Medicare Stands

Following is a special message from New Jersey Congressman Jon Runyan:

Dear Friend:

Last week, the trustees of Medicare and Social Security issued a report confirming what I and my Republican colleagues in Congress have been saying for the past year and a half.  Absent reform, Medicare and Social Security will soon become insolvent and unable to pay out benefits to the millions of Americans who depend on them.

The trustees’ non-partisan report states quite clearly that if Medicare continues on its current path, the program will begin operating in the red in 2024, and Social Security will follow in 2033.

Given these indisputable facts, it’s unfortunate that my opponent, Shelley Adler, continues to try and score cheap political points by scaring seniors, and trying to fool them into believing that someone is going to eliminate Medicare or Social Security.

Not only is Mrs. Adler’s rhetoric irresponsible, but it’s also been proven false.  In fact, non-partisan fact-checking organizations like Politifact called her Medicare attacks “The Biggest Lie of 2011.”

You deserve better.

That’s why earlier this year, I was proud to support a fiscally responsible budget that put Medicare and Social Security on sound fiscal footing.  A budget that protected these important safety net programs for current retirees and those nearing retirement, while making sure they will still be there for our children and grandchildren.

During my last campaign, I vowed to protect and preserve Medicare and Social Security.  As Congressman, that is exactly what I have done.  I refuse to look the other way, while these programs lurch towards insolvency, leaving future Congress’ with only two choices – deep benefit cuts or steep, job-killing tax increases.

If Shelley Adler wants to attack me for having the courage to do the right thing, she can have it, but I think she’s underestimating the intelligence of the people she hopes to represent.

The people of Burlington and Ocean counties deserve a representative who does not bury their head in the sand and pretend problems don’t exist.  They deserve a representative who sees the entitlement crisis for what it is, and has the courage to do what is necessary to keep Medicare and Social Security solvent for future generations.

It is my honor to serve you, and to be that Congressman.

Sincerely,
Jon Runyan