I applaud the vote by U.S. Rep. Jaime Herrera Beutler, R-Camas, to pass the budget plan put forward by U.S. Rep. Paul Ryan, R-Wis. However, while I agree with the need for major reform and strong action, I am left wondering if this is the right way to go about it.
It is easy to agree with the sentiment that government spending and revenues are too far out of balance, and that something drastic must be done to correct that trend, but putting the burden on our growing senior population is not the answer.
My conservative beliefs aside, we must do something to reform our entitlement programs. Otherwise, they will not be around for another generation. Putting further strain on the wallets of senior citizens only serves to weaken their livelihood and our economy.
So while Reps. Ryan and Herrera are willing to take bold action for the sake of our future, is it really the action we need? Or is further exploration and analysis needed?
