By Eileen Buckley
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wbfo/local-wbfo-976947.mp3
Buffalo, NY – The National Republican Congressional Committee continues to monitor what Democrats are saying about proposed Medicare reform. The committee believes Western New York Congresswoman Kathy Hochul is delivering misinformation.
"Republicans want to, first and foremost, preserve and protect Medicare. There is only one party in Washington that has cut Medicare, and it's the Democrats," said Tory Mazzola, regional press secretary for the National Republican Congressional Committee.
Mazzola said House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi and Congresswoman Hochul are not delivering the right information to voters.
In April, the House majority passed the Ryan budget. Hochul had a historic win in May in a special election, drawing national attention for telling voters the Republicans' plan would transform Medicare into a voucher program.
"It's just not true. The Republicans' plan to protect and preserve Medicare ensures the same guarantee for Medicare benefits seniors currently enjoy. There would be no change for seniors 55 and older, and the reality is, the Democrat plan is the one that would bankrupts Medicare. The Democrats, including Kathy Hochul, support the status quo," said Mazzola.
Hochul continues to actively campaign against the Republicans' reform plan, arguing that it would roll back the promise made to seniors. Last week, while outside of Rochester, Hochul said Medicare must be protected and preserved.
"Why do we want to take money out of the pockets of seniors, make them pay six or seven thousand dollars for a voucher plan, send them out to the private insures, and say good luck and hope they cover you? That's sending us back to the 1960's. I don't want to go there," said Congresswoman Hochul.
But the NRCC has been firing back. It has created television ads against other Democrats and their proposed Medicare reform plans.
Mazzola said Republicans believe Democrats are politicizing an important issue. The NRCC is trying to get more information to seniors citizens and voters right here in Western New York to stop what they say is the spread of misinformation.