California Legislators Split on Federal Budget Cuts November 15, 2011 Medicaid, Medicare, News Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction, medicaid, Medicare 0 When a bipartisan mix of 100 House members urged the deficit-reduction supercommittee to search for cuts in federal spending, including entitlements, the California delegation didn't show much enthusiasm. Only six of the delegation's 53 members signed a letter to the Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction: Reps. Mike Thompson, Adam Schiff, Dennis Cardoza, Jim Costa, John Garamendi, and Devin Nunes. Reaction has highlighted a split in how these programs are viewed: Protecting Medicare and Social Security is far more urgent with many lawmakers than standing guard over Medicaid. Though he didn't mention Medicaid specifically, Rep. Sam Farr (D-Carmel), looks elsewhere before cutting social programs. "Before we look to slashing Social Security and Medicare, we have to look at cutting defense spending and closing tax loopholes that assure that corporations and the wealthiest 1 percent pay their fair share." One of those who didn't sign the letter to the supercommittee, Rep. Mary Bono Mack (R-Palm Springs), said she is concerned about federal spending but wants to protect programs Americans depend on. "The Congresswoman does not support any cuts to Social Security and Medicare benefits at this time, but Medicaid is certainly one area that should be looked at because of widespread waste, fraud and abuse which has occurred in the past," said her spokesman, Ken Johnson. Medicaid is the federal-state health care program for the poor, especially women and children and elderly in nursing homes. Medi-Cal, California's version of Medicaid, has 7.4 million users. Still, Bono Mack is far from the only California member to leave out Medicaid when stressing which programs to protect. Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-Rancho Mirage) wants a "balanced approach between cuts and revenues" when it comes to deficit reduction, spokesman Zachary Coile said. "She opposes efforts to slash Medicare and Social Security benefits for our seniors, but supports strengthening those very successful programs so that they continue to benefit future generations." Boxer's spokesman, too, said nothing of Medicaid. Source: The Californian, November 14, 2011. Comments are closed.
