Regulation reform, especially as applied to the coal industry and the oil patch, is key to reinvigorating the economy. A vigorous economy provides virtually our only hope of avoiding a fiscal crisis because of our debt and deficit situation. We might be able to grow our way out of this mess with energy leading the way and reform in trade and taxes (including repatriation of foreign funds) stimulating as well.
Since there is no inclination anywhere in Washington, including the Trump administration, for cutting any entitlement and plenty of inclination to increase spending on military, infrastructure, and, perhaps, Ivankacare, growth has to come from somewhere.
The “use” of Entitlements will necessarily reduce as jobs become more attractive to these people currently willing to subsist on freebies or retirement.