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AMERICAN dREAM
Highlights from the Heritage Plan to Fix the Debt, Cut Spending, The Heritage Plan to Fix the Debt, and Restore Prosperity Cut Spending, and Restore Prosperity
Saving the
AMERICAN dREAM
The crisis and restore prosperity we must take to fix our debtHeritage Plan to Fix the Debt,nationwide. Cut Spending, and Restore Prosperity Building on decades of Heritage research, Saving the American Dream presents a plan to unleash the creativity of our hard-working citizens and leave our children and grandchildren with a better life.
WHATS INSIDE
AMERICAS FISCAL CRISIS ............................................. page 2 THE HERITAGE PLAN ......................................................... page 4 TAX REFORM.............................................................................. page 6 HEALTH CARE & MEDICAID.......................................... page 8 MEDICARE.................................................................................. page 10 SOCIAL SECURITY ............................................................... page 12 GOVERNMENT SPENDING .......................................... page 14 CONNECT WITH HERITAGE ....................................... page 16
The Heritage Plan offers a way out if politicians put the welfare of their country ahead of their own. Cal Thomas Americas #1 nationally syndicated columnist Comprehensive tax reform is an essential element of restoring fiscal sanity and spurring economic growth in the country.The Heritage Foundations proposal moves the countrys tax code in the right direction toward a more low-rate, flat tax. Arthur B. Laffer, Ph.D. The Father of Supply-Side Economics America does not have to be a country in decline. Do we have choices to make? Yes. And I encourage anyone who is serious about making the right choices to read The Heritage Foundations plan to fix the debt, cut spending, and restore prosperity. Steve Forbes Editor-in-Chief, Forbes magazine
Fellow Americans:
We have come to a time of decision. For far too long, Congress has been on an unsustainable binge of spending, taxing, and borrowing. Our nation is going broke, and we are passing the costs of these misguided policies to our children and their children. But this fate does not have to be our future. Saving the American Dream is our plan to fix the debt, cut spending, and, above all, restore prosperity. It balances the nations budget within a decadeand keeps it balanced. It eliminates government-mandated health care and fully funds our national defense. In order to get our fiscal house in order, we must address Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid, the three so-called entitlement programs which together account for 43 percent of federal spending today. Far too many seniors still lack enough help to avoid poverty. Saving the American Dream therefore does not end these programs; instead it focuses them on those who need them. We have been here before, and every time the American people have always risen to the occasion. In 1776 we were told that no upstart colonists could defeat the strongest nation in the world, and we decided to change the course of history. In 1860 we were told the Union could not hold and that America was over, and we brought forth a new birth of freedom. In 1980 we were told that the American century was at an end, and we launched a great economic expansion, rebuilt our military, and revived our national spirit. All that is required, as my hero Ronald Reagan once said, is our best effort, and our willingness to believe in ourselves and to believe in our capacity to perform great deeds; to believe that together, with Gods help, we can and will resolve the problems which now confront us. Hard times demand tough choices. The future of our nation is at stake. Together, let us seize the moment, change our countrys course, and save the American Dream. Edwin J. Feulner President, The Heritage Foundation
Highlights from the Heritage Plan to Fix the Debt, Cut Spending, and Restore Prosperity
Decades ago, politicians promised Baby Boomers health and retirement benefits but provided no way to pay for them. Now we are faced with the consequences of their neglect. U.S. debt held by the public equals nearly 70 percent of GDP and is rapidly growing. Medicare and Social Security face nearly $40 trillion in longterm unfunded obligations over $200,000 for every American. We cannot leave these burdens for our children and grandchildren. We must begin now to solve these problems. And we all must share the burdens those solutions will entail.
Artiga Photo/Corbis
Adding up each years annual budget shortfall (deficits), the national debt has recently topped $14 trillionwith no end in sight. Mounting debt results in economic crisis, as countries like Greece and Portugal have learned the hard way. Because debt always has to be paid, endless borrowing imposes huge burdens on future generations.
CHART 1 The Current and Future Crisis: Runaway Federal Spending Will The Current and Spending Will Runaway Huge Budget Deficits Result inFederalFuture Crisis: Runaway Federal Spending Will
CHART 1
35% 35% 30% 30% 25% 25% 20% 20% 15% 15%
Revenue and Spending as a Percentage of GDP Revenue and Spending as a Percentage of GDP
35.2% 35.2%
SPENDING SPENDING
REVENUE REVENUE
19.3% 19.3%
43% of all tax dollars go to funding the three major entitlement programs: Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid. Entitlement spending will consume all tax revenue by 2049, leaving nothing for constitutional functions such as defense. As government spending has more than doubled since 1965, clearly Washington must be more efficient in every line of the budget or we all will face the consequences.
2015 2015
2020 2020
2025 2025
2030 2030
2035 2035
DEFICIT DEFICIT
15.9% 15.9% 2035 2035
-20% -20% 2010 2015 2020 2025 2030 2010 2015 2020 2025 2030 Source: Heritage Foundation calculations based on data from
Congressional Budget Ofce, Alternative Fiscal Scenario. from Source: Heritage Foundation calculations based on data Congressional Budget Ofce, Alternative Fiscal Scenario.
Highlights from the Heritage Plan to Fix the Debt, Cut Spending, and Restore Prosperity
THE PLAN
Solve the national debt crisis, simplify taxes, reduce government spending, and make health care affordable.
Our plan transforms the main federal entitlement programsSocial Security, Medicare, and Medicaidinto real insurance programs. We provide financial security to retirees, guarantee assistance to people who need it, and reduce government payments to those who are truly prosperous. Obamacare is repealed and replaced with a system that gives consumers affordable choices among private, competing health care plans, much as federal employees have long enjoyed. The tax system is made simple and fair, with a single rate for all. Our reforms encourage businesses to invest, fueling economic growth. Complementing the aims of reforming entitlement programs (Medicare, Social Security, and Medicaid), our tax plan helps Americans to save throughout their working years and achieve economic security so they wont have to depend on government in retirement. Our plan permanently balances the budget within 10 years. By immediately reducing government benefits to the wealthiest Americans, our reforms immediately begin reducing deficits that threaten the economy. We reduce government where it has exceeded the powers authorized by the Constitution. And we responsibly address ruinous public debt that will otherwise overwhelm not only ourselves but also our children and grandchildren.
CHART 4
The AlternativeSaving the American Dream By rapidly lowering total federal spending, The Heritage Plan the Heritage plan would keep it there By rapidly lowering total federal spending, the Heritage plan would balance the budget by 2021 andbalance the budget n Balances the federal budget permanently, without raising taxes. by 2021 and keep it there permanently, within a decade and keeps it without raising taxes. Plan Current Projections Heritage balanced forever at no more Revenue and Spending as a Percentage of GDP Revenue and Spending as a Percentage of GDP than 18.5 percent of GDP.
35%
n
30%
Reduces the debt to 30 percent of GDP within 25 years and puts it on track to continue falling thereafter. Cuts the federal government by about half within 25 years. Stops scheduled tax 19.3% REVENUE increases and replaces the complex, unfair tax code with a completely new tax system.
SPENDING
35.2%
35%
30%
25%
n
25%
20%
20%
SPENDING REVENUE
18.5% 17.7%
Protects America and its interests around the globe by ensuring full funding for 10% defense. 2010 national 2020 2025 2030 2035 2015
n
15%
15%
10% 2010
2015
2020
2025
2030
2035 0.8%
and creates a health care system that is affordable for individuals and families. Redesigns Social Security and Medicare as sustainable programs that truly protect seniors and will still be around for our children and DEFICIT grandchildren.
SURPLUS DEFICIT
-5%
n
-5%
-10%
-10%
-15%
n
-15%
15.9% Provides powerful incentives for working Americans to save -20% be 2010 and invest so that they will 2035 2015 2020 2025 2030 less dependent on government programs.
-20% 2010
2015
2020
2025
2030
2035
Sources: Current projections: Heritage Foundation calculations based on data from Congressional Budget Ofce, Alternative Fiscal Scenario. Heritage Plan: Calculations by the Center for Data Analysis, The Heritage Foundation, based on baseline data in the current projections, data provided by the Peter G. Peterson Foundation, and CDA policy models.
Highlights from the Heritage Plan to Fix the Debt, Cut Spending, and Restore Prosperity
TAX REFORM
The Heritage Plan spurs economic growth with a tax that is simple, flat, and fairand prevents future tax increases.
Our plan means, unlike today where seniors with as little as $15,000 in income have their benefits taxed, low-income retirees pay no taxes on Social Security benefits. Also, any senior who works beyond retirement age pays no taxes on the first $10,000 in earnings.
The Heritage Plan Simplifies the Tax System and Lowers Taxes
Under current law, the typical Americans taxes will go up in 2013. But absent spending reform, income taxes would have to rise dramatically after that. The Heritage Plan eliminates the need for tax hikes, and reforms the tax system by replacing all income and payroll taxes with a simple, flat tax with one rate for everyone.
INDIVIDUAL TAX RATES
75% Marginal income tax rates Heritage at tax Total payroll tax rates
62.3%
50%
43.3% 15.3%
25%
0%
Current Rates
Sources: Congressional Budget Ofce, Tax Foundation. Heritage Plan: Calculations by the Center for Data Analysis.
Highlights from the Heritage Plan to Fix the Debt, Cut Spending, and Restore Prosperity
TAX REFORM
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Repeal Obamacare
This ill-conceived law adds trillions of dollars in government spending to a health care system that is already unaffordable. It also increases federal controls and imposes heavy costs on states, businesses, and households. The Heritage plan repeals Obamacare and replaces it with a consumer-centered health care system that America can afford.
Under our plan, your savings for health care (or other purposes) no longer face double taxation. If you do not use all of your health credit or premium assistance for insurance, you can put the remainder in a special savings account with tax-free withdrawals.
AFP/Getty Images
heritage.org/ImpactOfObamacare
Highlights from the Heritage Plan to Fix the Debt, Cut Spending, and Restore Prosperity
MEDICARE REFORM
The most costly and least efficient federal entitlement, Medicare needs fundamental changes to provide truly highquality, affordable health care.
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The Heritage Plan Would Rein in Mandatory Entitlement Spending The Heritage Plan Would Rein in Mandatory Entitlement Spending
CHART 7
Current Projections
Spending as a Percentage of GDP
20% 20%
Heritage Plan
Spending as a Percentage of GDP
17.1%
15% 15%
10%
10%
9.1%
Social Security
0% 2010 0% 2010
Social Security
2030 2035 2015 2020 2025 2030 2035
2015
2020
2025
Sources: Current projections: Heritage Foundation calculations based on data from Congressional Budget Ofce, Alternative Fiscal Scenario. Heritage Plan: Calculations by the Center for Data Analysis, The Heritage Foundation, based on baseline data in the current projections, data provided by the Peter G. Peterson Foundation, and CDA policy models.
Highlights from the Heritage Plan to Fix the Debt, Cut Spending, and Restore Prosperity
MEDICARE REFORM
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better quality at lower costs. Our plan also caps total Medicare spending to prevent runaway costs. This gives competing plans an incentive to control their costs.
12
Over a two-year period starting in 2014, first 3 percent and then 6 percent of your income will go into a retirement savings account that you own and control, like an IRA or 401(k) plan. You may save more or less, or even opt out if you choose. The money you put into these accounts will not be double-taxed.
CHART 3
Discretionary Spending Cuts Alone Are Not an Adequate Substitute for Entitlement Reform
Annual spending on entitlement programs is massive Adequate Substitute for Entitlement Reform compared to other federal spending priorities. Cutting Annual spending on entitlement necessary step, but cuts to discretionary spending is aprograms is massive compared to other federal spending priorities. Cutting discretionary foreignforeign aid alone pulling out ofspending is awill not close the but aid alone or or pulling out of Afghanistan necessary step, deficit. Afghanistan will not cuts to close the decit. Entitlement spending must be reined in. Entitlement spending must be reined in.
Spending in 2011
$2.4 trillion
$159.3 billion
Note: Figure for entitlements includes net interest. Without net interest, the total is $2.2 trillion. Source: White House Ofce of Management and Budget.
Highlights from the Heritage Plan to Fix the Debt, Cut Spending, and Restore Prosperity
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185%
150%
CURRENT PROJECTIONS
2023: 100%
Sources: Current projections: Heritage Foundation calculations based on data from Congressional Budget Ofce, Alternative Fiscal Scenario. Heritage Plan: Calculations by the Center for Data Analysis, The Heritage Foundation, based on baseline data in the current projections, data provided by the Peter G. Peterson Foundation, and CDA policy models.
100%
50%
HERITAGE PLAN
2015 2020 2025 2030
30% 2035
0%
2010
Highlights from the Heritage Plan to Fix the Debt, Cut Spending, and Restore Prosperity
Some federal programs, such as air traffic control, would be privatized. Still others, like public broadcasting subsidies, are ended altogether.
makes it easy to share the Heritage plan with friends and family
SavingTheDream.org
PERSONALIZE THE PLAN: How does the Heritage plan affect a unique
group like Retirees? Or Entrepreneurs? With six distinct profiles, our web site shows that getting our national budget under control helps all Americans.
videos, custom Twitter messages, and other tools to help you raise your voice about these vital issues.
GET THE FULL REPORT: To dive deeper into the policy ideas and
figures of the Heritage Planas many in government, media, and the policy community are doingdownload the full 52-page report online.
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How You Can Save Us from Our Massive Debt In a fast-paced Q&A format, this booklet presents a relevant, urgent message to millennials and action steps for the next generation to make a difference.
by
Highlights from the Heritage Plan to Fix the Debt, Cut Spending, and Restore Prosperity
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Inheritance?
Her share of our debt is $200,000. We can fix the debt, cut government spending, and restore prosperity. Together, we can save the American Dream for all of us.
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Brought to you by The Heritage Foundation
The Heritage Foundation is a research and educational institutiona think tankwhose mission is to formulate and promote conservative public policies based on the principles of free enterprise, limited government, individual freedom, traditional American values, and a strong national defense. Our vision is to build an America where freedom, opportunity, prosperity, and civil society flourish. As conservatives, we believe the values and ideas that motivated our Founding Fathers are worth conserving. As policy entrepreneurs, we believe the most effective solutions are consistent with those ideas and values.
This product is part of the Entitlements and Health Care Initiatives, two of 10 Transformational Initiatives making up The Heritage Foundations Leadership for America campaign. For more products and information related to these Initiatives or to learn more about the Leadership for American campaign, please visit heritage.org.
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