As the President and Congress work to negotiate a deal to raise the federal debt ceiling, Republicans are demanding huge funding cuts and radical changes to vital social service programs. Greater NYC for Change opposes these cuts, and urges all lawmakers to reject any deficit reduction proposal which will make harmful benefit reductions to Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid programs. Specifically:

• Now is not the time to cut the deficit. First, put people back to work.
• We need Medicare, Medicaid AND Social Security. Do not cut or “adjust” them now, while millions are out of work.
• Social Security did not cause the deficit, and it should not be cut to reduce a deficit it did not cause. Seniors have earned Social Security through a lifetime of hard work.
• Do away with the Bush tax cuts AND end tax loopholes for corporations and the wealthy. Make them pay their fair share.