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IRON MOUNTAIN -- Budget battles in Lansing and Madison over the last six weeks have largely overshadowed the upcoming budget battle in Washington.

Republicans are expected to release their own budget proposal in April which could include reforms to entitlement programs like Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security.

Michigan First District Representative Dan Benishek spent Monday discussing these issues with constituents in Iron Mountain.

"In 30 years, there's going to be no money to pay for any of this,” said Benishek.  “So until we get a system where it's long-term sustainable, everybody's benefits are in jeopardy.  But we're not trying to do this on the backs of our retirees or near retirees."

Benishek said he won't support any measure that cuts benefits for anyone 55 and older.

The budget and deficit dominated much of the conversation Monday, and some offered their own solutions.

"We want him to take this back to Congress and to share them with all the other people back there so something constructive can be done to rectify the problems that we're experiencing today," said Iron Mountain resident Jack LaChapelle.

Benishek said cutting the deficit will also help create jobs by giving employers more confidence to hire.

"Right now with this tremendous amount of deficit spending, they know that the next thing that's going to happen is their taxes are going to go up,” he said.  “They know their health care costs are going up with this 'Obamacare,' so what’s the incentive to invest now?"

Benishek will make stops throughout the 1st District this week to discuss the budget with constituents.

You can click here to see the full list of where he will be.

The Republican budget proposal is expected to be released next month.