TEXT OF MIKE CASSARO'S ANNOUNCEMENT ON WBKI TV: NATIONAL LOTTERY AND MORE

(For more on this interview go to WBKI’s website: http://www.cwlouisville.com)

I want to chat with you today about an important but neglected issue in this year’s election cycle. This issue is shoring up Social Security and Medicare funding.  The survival of many Kentuckians is literally dependent upon these programs.

As we all know, Social Security and Medicare are under siege. Our population is aging.

As it ages, the demand for Social Security and Medicare benefits increases significantly.

A significant chunk of our earnings already goes to fund these programs. To prevent further strains on our earnings, we need alternative sources of revenue to make Social Security and Medicare financially secure.

Two years ago, the Bush administration, with the blessings of Mitch McConnell and Anne Northup, tried to privatize Social Security. The American public said a loud NO to this proposal.  I agree with the American public. The Bush, McConnell and Northup proposal would have helped Wall Street without helping main street America.

I believe that a national lottery will generate the needed revenues without raising our taxes and privatizing a public trust.   Many other countries, including Mexico and Canada, have national lotteries. Why not us? 

Let me say again, I am proposing legislation for a national lottery to help shore up the Social Security and Medicare trust funds.  This lottery will have a distinct identity and separate process from already existing state lotteries. 

I realize that as a freshmen senator, the chances of getting this legislation through Congress will be very difficult. I love difficult challenges, especially those that benefit society.

Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to make this announcement.  Feel free to ask me any questions about this proposal or my candidacy for U.S. Senate. 

What My Campaign Is About?

My campaign is not about me. I have a successful career, a great family, and a great life. 

If I wanted to do what was best for me, I would continue along my current path.

Unfortunately, many Kentuckians are struggling financially. They are doing without basic health care coverage. Their children cannot afford to further their education. This campaign is about them.  I believe that it is morally just to do what I can to improve the lives of Kentuckians.

-Mike Cassaro, Democrat for U.S. Senator

--Cassaro for U.S. Senator Campaign; courtesy of Frank Leidermann, Acting Editor