Officials say Obama budget won’t propose trimming cost-of-living benefit hikes

CP27300206
FILE - In this Feb. 12, 2014 file photo, President Barack Obama speaks in the East Room of the White House in Washington. The White House says President Barack Obama\'s upcoming budget proposal will not include his past offer to accept lowered cost-of-living increases in Social Security and other benefit programs. Those had been a central component of his long-term debt-reduction strategy. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin, File)

WASHINGTON – The White House says President Barack Obama’s upcoming budget proposal will not include his past offer to accept lowered cost-of-living increases in Social Security and other benefit programs. Those had been a central component of his long-term debt-reduction strategy.

Officials said Thursday that those potential reductions in spending, included in last year’s Obama budget, had been designed to initiate negotiations with Republicans over how to reduce deficits and the nation’s debt. One official said the offer would remain on the table in the event of new budget talks, but that it would not be part of the president’s formal spending blueprint.

The officials were not authorized to comment by name on the budget plan before its March 4 release and spoke only on condition of anonymity.

News from © The Associated Press, . All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Join the Conversation!

Want to share your thoughts, add context, or connect with others in your community?

Create a free account

The Associated Press

The Associated Press is an independent global news organization dedicated to factual reporting. Founded in 1846, AP today remains the most trusted source of fast, accurate, unbiased news in all formats and the essential provider of the technology and services vital to the news business. More than half the world’s population sees AP journalism every day.

Related Articles