Press Releases: 2012

NEWS: Rep. Stark Participates in Democratic Hearing on the Future of Medicare

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NEWS - CONGRESSMAN PETE STARK
239 Cannon House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515
(202) 225.5065
www.stark.house.gov

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 2, 2012
Debbie Curtis, (202) 225-5065


Rep. Stark Participates in Democratic Hearing on the Future of Medicare
Democrats forced to hold their own hearing as Congress left town

WASHINGTON - Today, Rep. Pete Stark (D-CA) participated in a hearing hosted by the Democratic Steering and Policy Committee entitled "Saving Medicare for Seniors Today and in the Future."  Invited witnesses testified about their hopes for Medicare’s future -- specifically discussing their concerns about the Romney-Ryan plan for Medicare.

"I was pleased to join my colleagues in DC today to raise public awareness about Republican plans for the future of Medicare.  While Republicans are careful to talk about the option to ‘choose’ traditional Medicare in their plan, they leave out the fact that it will only be an option for those who can afford it.  They’ve designed their program so that most Medicare beneficiaries will be forced into private plans that may not meet their health care needs or be affordable to them.  To add insult to injury, they are undermining Medicare in order to finance tax breaks for millionaires," said Rep. Stark

Those are the wrong priorities for our nation.  Tens of millions of senior citizens and people with disabilities will pay the price -- literally and figuratively -- if they succeed,” concluded Rep. Stark.

The witnesses were: 

Judith Stein, Founder and Executive Director, Center for Medicare Advocacy

Karen Davis, President, The Commonwealth Fund

Dr. Ben Williamowsky, Retired Dentist, U.S. Army

Cheryl Davis-Darrel, Retired Educator, Palm Beach County School District

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