The Heritage Foundation
America’s Problems
Decades ago, politicians promised Baby Boomers health and retirement benefits but provided no way to pay for them. Now we are faced with the consequences of their neglect. U.S. debt held by the public equals nearly 70 percent of GDP and is rapidly growing.
Medicare and Social Security face nearly $40 trillion in long-term unfunded obligations – over $200,000 for every American. We cannot leave these burdens for our children and grandchildren. We must begin now to solve these problems. And we all must share the burdens those solutions will entail.
Heritage Solutions
Our plan transforms the main federal entitlement programs – Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid – into real insurance programs. We provide financial security to retirees, guarantee assistance to people who need it, and reduce government payments to those who are truly prosperous.
Obamacare is repealed and replaced with a system that gives consumers affordable choices among private, competing health care plans, much as federal employees have long enjoyed.
The tax system is made simple and fair, with a single rate for all. Our reforms encourage businesses to invest, fueling economic growth. Complementing the aims of reforming entitlement programs (Medicare, Social Security and Medicaid), our tax plan helps Americans to save throughout their working years and achieve economic security so they won’t have to depend on government in retirement.
Our plan permanently balances the budget within 10 years. By immediately reducing government benefits to the wealthiest Americans, our reforms immediately begin reducing deficits that threaten the economy. We reduce government where it has exceeded the powers authorized by the Constitution. And we responsibly address ruinous public debt that will otherwise overwhelm not only ourselves but also our children and grandchildren.
Your Money, Your Values, Your Vote 2012 National Tour
In 2012, two leading public policy organizations – The Heritage Foundation and Family Research Council – are hitting the road together to save the American dream. The Values Bus will roll into cities and towns nationwide to advance the cause of fiscal and moral responsibility… a road trip to restore prosperity in America.
Strong economic growth – meaning more jobs for families from successful free-enterprise ventures – will only come when Washington is willing to make the tough choices to fix the debt and cut government spending. Our present and future leaders in Washington need to know that Americans stand behind the only comprehensive plan to balance our national budget, once and for all.
At each stop on the tour we will spread the word about the Heritage Plan, encouraging citizens and local leaders to show their support.
You can read more about education reform on the Heritage.org or on our education blog.
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