Budget Primer -
Robert Samuelson notes:
“So the message is
clear: You can’t tame the budget unless you’re willing to make changes in
Social Security, Medicare and some other health programs. For years, I have
urged that we gradually raise eligibility ages and trim some benefits of
wealthier retirees. These steps would recognize longer life expectancies and
the greater financial well-being of many older Americans. Introduced slowly,
they would not have been disruptive.
Little or nothing has
been done. You might say that by inaction, Congresses and presidents — of both
parties — have created a national priority: Almost all other programs should be
subordinated to the needs of Social Security and health spending. From 2000 to
2037, all the increase in federal spending (as a share of GDP) will reflect
these programs, the CBO projects.”