Joe Courtney Pays Visit to Mansfield Senior Center

Democratic U.S. Rep. Joe Courtney paid a visit to the  on Tuesday, speaking briefly about the Republican budget proposal for the 2012 fiscal year, before fielding questions from residents.

The congressman spoke out against the GOP Budget Resolution, which he said would replace Medicare with a voucher program.

“From my perspective this [proposal] is really kind of eroding the … genius of the Medicare program,” said Courtney, adding that the Republican plan would force seniors’ out-of-pocket expenses for Medicare to nearly double in the first year. 

“The public opinion polls are really pretty strongly against this. …I definitely will never support that radical of an overhaul,” said Courtney.

“I think that the Republicans are all about wealth and the preservation of wealth,” resident Ida Millman told Courtney. “...I see the Democratic Party as being more concerned with mutual community support.”

In answering questions on Medicaid, Courtney said that in many respects, the Republicans proposal is worse than that for Medicare. “To say you’re going to cut the federal government’s contribution by a third in the name of giving them flexibility, thanks but no thanks,” said Courtney. “That is a loser proposition for every governor and every state legislature and certainly every health care provider that depends on Medicaid.” 

On the topic of Social Security, Courtney said that Republicans have proposed that the system be held to a standard of a 75-year solvency, which means that trustees must use a 75-year feasibility projection under the plan. “It is a ridiculous standard to apply to a retirement program,” said Courtney.

“… In my opinion we can figure out a way to balance the books in this country without going to, in really my opinion, fundamental social contract programs that really have made a huge difference in people’s retirement dignity and access to quality health care,” he said. “We’re a great nation. We should be able to figure out a way to do that more efficiently … but not by drastically undercutting people’s guaranteed access to benefits.”

Resident Ed Sicard said that he appreciated Courtney’s visit.

“I thought this was very informative,” he said.

“I thought so too,” said resident Cynthia Johnson. “Joe’s good. He’s a good guy.”

Courtney’s visit to the senior center coincided with Older Americans Month, a time to recognize seniors who have made contributions to society.