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PROPOSED RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION ENCOURING THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT TO PROTECT SOCIAL SECURITY, MEDICARE, MEDICAID, AND EDUCATION
WHEREAS, millions of Americans rely on the federal government's programs, including Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, and funding for education; and
WHEREAS, Social Security is crucial for keeping millions of older Americans out of poverty; and
WHEREAS, Social Security benefits have important implications for the health and well-being of the elderly, and reductions in funding would lead to negative health outcomes for elderly adults; and
WHEREAS, without Social Security, 37.8% of elderly adults would have incomes below the official poverty line. With Social Security benefits, only 9% are currently below the poverty line; and
WHEREAS, about 6.5 million children under the age of 18 live in families that received income from Social Security in 2020, and these benefits lift approximately 1 million children above the poverty line; and
WHEREAS, Medicaid covers 91 million Americans, making it the largest source of health care coverage in the United States; and
WHEREAS, Medicaid covers 42% of all births, 6.9 million individuals aged 65 and over, and 10 million individuals with disabilities; and
WHEREAS, Medicaid pays for 10% of long-term care; and
WHEREAS, Medicaid coverage is linked directly to better health outcomes. Coverage in early life is associated with a decreased incidence of chronic conditions; and
WHEREAS, Medicaid beneficiaries are 13% less likely to have medical debt and 80% less likely to have experienced catastrophic medical expenses; and
WHEREAS, there have been discussions of raising the retirement age of Medicare from 65 to 67, re-opening the Medicare prescription drug donut hole, and increasing out of pocket drug spending for seniors, which would have a devasting effect on those that receive these benefits; and
WHEREAS, funding for education directly impacts student achievement and academic performance...
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