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Town Hall Disruption and Fairness

Unasked and unanswered questions

Because the performance artists (screaming and swearing while videotaping themselves) abruptly ended the Sean Casten Town Hall, no one else had a chance to listen to or question Congressman Casten.

One question that needed to be asked was why the democrats continue to gaslight the American people about Medicaid reform and the recently passed tax bill.

Here are some facts that the democrats continually ignore about Medicaid.

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Fact: Medicaid has grown by 60% since 2019. That is clearly unstainable. Medicaid was designed to aid the poorest. Now 20% of Americans are on Medicaid. The democrats never enforce eligibility requirements. Now enrollees will need to prove they are actually entitled.

Fact: Medicaid is not being "gutted". Medicaid spending is projected to increase by $2.3 trillion dollars over the next 10 years. Even with $800 billion in "cuts" spending will increase by $1.5 trillion. Only in Washington is a reduction in increases considered a "cut".

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Fact: The number of people "losing" coverage is completely distorted. The CBO (Congressional Budget Office) estimates that 4.8 million people will lose coverage because they refuse to accept the very sensible requirement to work/volunteer/attend school 20 hours per week for a free taxpayer benefit. Another 1.4 million are illegal migrants not entitled to benefits according to the CBO. Finally, there are 2.8 million "double dippers". According to the Center for Medicare and Medicaid, 1.2 million are enrolled in 2 or more states. Another 1.6 million are on 2 or more subsidized plans (such as Obamacare) and Medicaid.

At this rate, Medicaid will not be available for those who truly need it.

Regarding the tax bill, the Wall Street Journal did an extensive analysis of who wins and losses. It's not as simple as billionaires benefitting at the expense of everyone else.

Fact: The top 20% pay 67% of all taxes and will get 60% of the reduction. The middle 20% pay 10% of all taxes and will get 13% of the reduction.

Fact: The 2 lowest quintiles will pay 15% less in taxes. The 3rd and 4th quintiles will pay approximately 12% less in taxes while the top 1% will pay 7% less in taxes.

Fact: Only 1% in the lowest quintile would pay more in taxes while 18% in the top 1% will pay more in taxes.

The democrats talk about "paying their fair share". A tax system where 20 % of the population pays 67% of taxes already seems "fair".

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