LeadingAge Statement on Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction Decision

WASHINGTON, Nov. 21, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Although it appears the Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction may not come to an agreement on a deficit reduction plan, we expect Congress and the Obama Administration to continue their efforts to reduce the federal budget gap.

Automatic spending cuts mandated by the Budget Control Act do not go into effect until 2013. In the meantime, Congress and the Administration still have to work out the regular 2013 budget and spending process, which they could use to address the budget deficit and prevent sequestration.

We will continue to work with all sides to achieve fair and responsible budget and spending measures that do not impose a disproportionate burden on frail and low-income elders.

The Affordable Care Act contained reforms to the health care delivery system and to Medicare that are projected to reduce the growth of Medicare spending by $500 billion in the coming decade. This is the right way to rein in excessive spending.

We cannot cut our way out of this budget hole, but we must innovate our way out.

To expand the world of possibilities for aging, LeadingAge members and affiliates touch the lives of millions of individuals, families, employees and volunteers every day. The LeadingAge community includes 5,400 not-for-profit organizations in the United States, 38 state partners, hundreds of businesses, research partners, consumer organizations, foundations and a broad global network of aging services organizations that reach over 30 countries.  The work of LeadingAge is focused on advocacy, leadership development, and applied research and promotion of effective services, home health, hospice, community services, senior housing, assisted living residences, continuing care communities, nursing homes, as well as technology solutions, to seniors, children, and others with special needs.

SOURCE LeadingAge