The White House launched a partisan critique of the House and Senate budget resolutions currently being debated in Congress. As part of the this critique, the White House levels a number of deceptive charges at these budget blue-prints, both of which responsibly lower the deficit to balance over time. Given that the administration’s budget never balances, the White House’s critique appears all the more dubious.

Myths versus Facts

Myth: “Cut Taxes for Millionaires and Raise Taxes for Working Families and Students”

Fact: The House and Senate Budgets are revenue neutral – meaning no net tax increase for “working families” or tax cut for “millionaires.” Meanwhile, the president’s budget raises taxes by $1.8 trillion over 10 years.

 

 

Myth: “Eliminate Affordable Health Care”

Fact: The House and Senate budgets would repeal the Affordable Care Act, because 5 Years after its enactment, it’s failing to deliver on the promise of affordability. Rather, Americans’ out-of-pocket expenses are increasing. In 2014 the average deductible for a bronze plan was $5,081—42 percent higher than in comparable group market plans.

 

Myth: “Raise Health Care Costs for Seniors”

Fact: The House Budget would strengthen Medicare, which has run a $1.4 trillion cash deficit under President Obama. Closing this gap would require a 21 percent increase in the Hospital Insurance payroll tax, a $3,676 increase in Part B premiums, and a $2,174 increase in prescription drug premiums.
 

Myth: “Slash Investments in the Middle Class”

Fact: The House and Senate Budgets reflect discretionary spending levels signed into law by President Obama, who has since taken credit for its associated deficit reduction.
 

Myth: “Balance Only with Gimmicks and Deep Cuts to Programs that Serve the Most Vulnerable and Help Expand Opportunity.”

Fact: The administration’s budget never balances, despite the use of $984 billion in gimmicks – that includes pretending payments to physicians serving seniors and earned income and child tax credits don’t expire.

 

 

Myth: “Fail to Address our Crumbling Infrastructure”

Fact: The administration has routinely failed to propose a long-term highway bill. Indeed the current budget proposes a $111.9 billion transfer from the General Fund to the Highway Trust fund, rather than proposing a sustainable financing mechanism.