For more than half a century, Social Security and Medicare have been two of the most politically sacrosanct programs in the U.S.
That means hackles are raised anytime there are any plans, proposals, or allegations that changes are sought for the federal programs. Here in Wisconsin, the issue has come to the fore again, this time in the U.S. Senate race.
“For over a decade, Ron Johnson has refused to fight for working Wisconsin families,” Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate Alex Lasry said in a March 16, 2022 news release. “Now, Ron Johnson is promising that if the GOP takes the majority, they are going to raise taxes on middle class workers and phase out Social Security and Medicare.”
A March 16, 2022 Lasry campaign ad cut to the chase and starkly said: “Ron Johnson supports the new Republican plan that phases out Social Security and Medicare.”
Is Johnson “supporting the Republican plan that phases out Social Security and Medicare?”
The claim falls short from multiple angles.
11-point plan
Lasry, an executive with the Milwaukee Bucks, is among the Democrats hoping to replace Johnson, a Republican seeking a third term in 2022.
We reached out to the Lasry campaign to seek backup information for the claim, but did not receive a response by deadline. However, it’s clear the ad is referring to the 11-point “Rescue America” plan released in February 2022 by U.S. Sen. Rick Scott, R-Florida.
Scott is chairman of the Senate GOP’s campaign committee.
Point number…
