False attacks on Social Security and Medicare create problems in our politics | Opinion

Michael V. Lawler
·2 min read
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Let me be unequivocally clear — I do not support cuts or negative changes to Social Security or Medicare. The U.S. government made a promise to Americans and we must keep it.

I saw first hand, after contributing the maximum to social security for years, how my father benefited from Social Security Disability while he battled Multiple Sclerosis and Melanoma, before ultimately succumbing to cancer at the age of 54. Just three years ago, my grandfather received excellent care during his near-death battle with COVID-19 because of Medicare.

Moreover, I have listened to countless constituents express support for these programs — and understand how important these programs are for our seniors to comfortably age in place here in the Hudson Valley.

U.S. Rep. Mike Lawler, Congressman for New YorkÕs 17th C.D., photographed in Pearl River Jan. 18, 2022.
U.S. Rep. Mike Lawler, Congressman for New YorkÕs 17th C.D., photographed in Pearl River Jan. 18, 2022.

Yet, despite my clear and consistent support for Social Security and Medicare, partisan groups, political opponents and, sadly, even some members of the press, have attempted to obfuscate, mislead and even outright lie about my position to sow fear among constituents.

Frankly, it’s shameful.

These baseless attacks are a symptom of a larger disease in American politics today — which is that honest, respectful dialogue aimed at compromise and solutions is rapidly being replaced with inflammatory and false rhetoric intended to sow division and partisan anger.

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Unless we change it — and fast — America is in trouble.

As your congressman, I view my job as bringing people together to solve problems and I will do my part to get back to a place where we discuss the issues, disagree without being disagreeable, find common ground and move forward together.

That’s how I’ve conducted myself in office, working across the aisle in Congress with Democratic members like New Jersey's Mikie Sherrill and Josh Gottheimer to introduce legislation tackling congestion pricing and the SALT cap, or Ritchie Torres to create a Special Envoy for the Abraham Accords.

Back home, I’ve worked with local elected officials like Supervisor Michael Schiliro of North Castle and Supervisor Howie Phillips of Haverstraw to work on environmental concerns and local control issues with Gov. Kathy Hochul’s housing plan, and County Executive Ed Day, to address the migrant crisis impacting our communities here in the Hudson Valley.

Congressman Mike Lawler comments on Gov. Kathy Hochul's housing and infrastructure plan during a press conference outside the North Castle town hall in Armonk, on Tuesday, March 7, 2023.
Congressman Mike Lawler comments on Gov. Kathy Hochul's housing and infrastructure plan during a press conference outside the North Castle town hall in Armonk, on Tuesday, March 7, 2023.

I’ve taken a sober approach on each of these issues and am committed to doing the serious, bipartisan work it will take to get our country moving in the right direction again.

We have many challenges ahead and it requires a willingness to work together and make decisions based on fact and evidence, not partisan political talking points.

Hopefully, others will join me in trying to bridge the gap to a more prosperous future and country.

Rep. Mike Lawler represents New York's 17th Congressional District, which includes Rockland County, Putnam County and portions of Westchester and Dutchess counties.

This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: NY Rep. Mike Lawler: Social Security and Medicare must be preserved