Bruce Reed Must Reject Failed Austerity Economics

(Washington, DC) — The following is a statement from Alex Lawson, Executive Director of Social Security Works, on reports that Joe Biden has selected Bruce Reed as Deputy Chief of Staff:

“Bruce Reed is the former Executive Director of the Bowles-Simpson commission, which proposed massive cuts to Social Security, including raising the retirement age. During the worst national crisis since the Great Depression, the last thing we need are Social Security cuts — or any other form of austerity.

We are extremely disappointed by this selection, which is inconsistent with President-elect Joe Biden’s campaign promise to protect and expand Social Security benefits.

Fortunately, many other top appointments, including Ron Klain as Chief of Staff, are far more consistent with the platform Biden ran on. Bruce Reed needs to conform to the path laid out by President-elect Biden and build back better, without even a tiny hint of cruel cuts and devastating austerity.

Austerity is a pathway to disaster. Biden should listen to the voices telling him to turn the page on the austerity economics of the past.”

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