In a recent interview with the Glens Falls Post Star on the budget proposal by Congressman Paul Ryan (R), Republican congressional candidate Elise Stefanik suggested raising the retirement age of individuals under 30 years old as a means for balancing the federal budget.
From the Glens Falls Post Star, April 15, 2014:
"Republican congressional candidate Elise Stefanik said she is “taking a good look” at the budget plan which House Budget Committee Chairman Paul Ryan, R-Wis., authored."
"Stefanik said perhaps the retirement age should be adjusted to reflect the longer life expectancy of those 30 and younger."
"“I think we should have a discussion about raising the retirement age for future workers,” she said."
"Asked specifically if she agrees with Ryan’s age cut off of 55 and younger to no longer receive traditional Medicare, she said, “I’m going to take a good look at it. I have to study it first.”"
Perhaps this draconian idea shouldn't come as any surprise given Stefanik's background as a high-profile Washington D.C. political operative who served as an aide in the Bush Administration, followed by a stint as the communications director of a neo-conservative think thank, and was later involved in the Romney campaign as Paul Ryan's 2012 vice presidential debate advisor.
Aaron Woolf, the Democratic candidate in the 21st Congressional District, meanwhile reiterated his opposition to the Ryan budget plan:
From the Watertown Daily Times, April 2, 2014:
"“The budget plan Congressman Paul Ryan introduced today is the wrong approach. We need to balance our budget and address our debt, but we need to do it the right way — not on the backs of our North Country families,” Mr. Woolf said in the emailed statement."
"Mr. Ryan’s plan aims to cut $5 trillion from the budget and balance the country’s books by 2024 in part by altering Medicare and food stamp programs and repealing the Affordable Care Act."
"It is a plan of which Mr. Woolf does not approve."
"“Ending the Medicare guarantee and forcing seniors to pay more is not the answer. We must work together to find responsible ways to reduce our debt that don’t cripple job creation, burden our seniors and students, or penalize middle class families,” Mr. Woolf said."