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For Immediate Release
Contact: Linda Benesch,,lbenesch@socialsecurityworks.org

Trump Once Again Proposes to Cut Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid

The following is a statement from

WASHINGTON

The following is a statement from Nancy Altman, President of Social Security Works, on the topline numbers of Donald Trump's FY2020 budget, which were released this morning:

" Donald Trump ran for president on a promise to keep his hands off Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid. His latest budget proposal violates that promise yet again by cutting all three programs. His budget cuts Medicaid by $1.5 trillion - an indirect cut to Social Security for seniors who rely on Medicaid for long-term care benefits (Medicaid covers 6 in 10 nursing home residents). These seniors could now be forced to pay out of pocket or rely on already overburdened family members. The budget also cuts $845 billion from Medicare.

Trump doesn't stop there. He also cuts SSA's already inadequate budget by $400 million, despite the fact that Social Security has a $2.9 trillion surplus. This will lead to office closures and longer wait times, making it more difficult for Americans to access the benefits they've earned. The budget also cuts $25 billion from Social Security disability benefits, presumably using Budget Director Mick Mulvaney's Orwellian logic that "Social Security disability insurance" is not part of Social Security!

Unlike in 2016, Trump won't be able to lie his way back into office next year. He will have to answer to voters for his plans to cut their earned benefits - especially since Democrats are providing a clear contrast. This week, they are holding hearings on expanding, not cutting, Social Security's earned benefits."

Social Security Works' mission is to: Protect and improve the economic security of disadvantaged and at-risk populations; Safeguard the economic security of those dependent, now or in the future, on Social Security; and Maintain Social Security as a vehicle of social justice.