HUNTINGTON, West Virginia -
As a group in Huntington marks the historic milestone of Social Security, many like Cecil Ferguson of Catlettsburg who depended on the program growing up are now wondering if the end is near for the program.
"There are lots of places to slash spending to bring this country back rather than take it away from the working man and the elderly," said Ferguson.
"It's a budget that is rather extreme in its proposals," said Rep. Nick Rahall, D-W.Va. referring to the budget proposal of Republican Vice-Presidential candidate Paul Ryan.
Rahall believes the cuts outlined in the Ryan budget would end Social Security and Medicare by providing vouchers for seniors and privatizing the programs. He said Democrats have already made reforms to the program.
"Those reforms would reduce paperwork and tests that are required thereby providing savings to Medicare that would go back into the future solvency of the program," said Congressman Rahall.
Rep. Shelley Moore-Capito, R-W.Va., defended Ryan as wanting to make sure Social Security and Medicare have a future
"While I might disagree with some of the methods he has planned in his budget to get there, I do agree we have to face these issues," said Capito.
"We all know reforms can be made in Medicare, yes, and that's what the Affordable Health Care Act tries to do," said Rahall.
"In order to sustain these programs for our children and grandchildren, we have to make reforms and we have to make adjustments," said Capito.
The November elections are expected to dictate what adjustments are made to Social Security and Medicare.
According to Strengthen Social Security, one in four West Virginians collect Social Security benefits, averaging about $13,000 annually.
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