Legislation Archives - DR News - News, Retirement, Finance

Alaska Senate Advances Legislation Aimed at Reestablishing Public Sector Pension

Juneau, Alaska – The Alaska Senate took a significant step on Wednesday in addressing the state’s struggle with recruiting and retaining public employees and teachers by advancing legislation to reestablish a public-sector pension. The bill, known as Senate Bill 88, aims to provide predictable retirement payments to tens of thousands of state and municipal workers and teachers. The move comes as Alaska faces challenges with filling state jobs, with around one in seven positions currently …

Proposed Legislation Proposes Expanding Health Insurance to Florida Faculty and Employees

Florida legislators are considering a proposal that would allow faculty and other employees at the state’s 28 colleges to join the health insurance program used by rank-and-file state workers. Currently, faculty and employees at state universities are part of the state group health insurance program, but those at state colleges are not included. The proposed spending plan for fiscal year 2024-2025, backed by the Senate, includes this provision. The move was approved by the Senate …

Kenya in Turmoil: Deadly Protests and Parliament Blaze Spark Outcry Against New Tax Legislation

Nairobi, Kenya — A surge of violent demonstrations swept through Nairobi this week, leaving at least five individuals dead and parts of the Kenyan parliament building in flames. The protests, fueled by opposition to new tax measures recently approved in a finance bill, escalated as demonstrators clashed with police. The confrontation intensified Tuesday when protestors overran security forces and breached the parliament. Amidst the chaos, significant parts of the building were set on fire. This …

Senior Tax Cut Legislation Introduced by Minnesota Democratic Congresswoman

Minnesota Democratic Congresswoman Angie Craig recently reintroduced legislation to eliminate federal taxes on Social Security benefits for seniors. The bill, called the “You Earned It, You Keep It Act,” aims to extend full benefits for two decades and reduce the federal debt by a substantial amount, according to the analysis it cited. The Act, brought forth by Craig in August 2022, proposes to be funded by raising the Social Security payroll tax cap so that …

Fatal Confrontations Erupt in Kenya as Citizens Protest Against New Tax Legislation

Nairobi, Kenya — Tensions escalated in Nairobi as multiple fatalities were reported following clashes between law enforcement and demonstrators protesting against recently introduced tax increases. The nationwide unrest is largely in response to the controversial Finance Bill of 2024, which has sparked widespread public dissent. The demonstrations, part of a larger strike action across the country, saw protesters taking to the streets of downtown Nairobi, expressing vehement opposition to the government’s fiscal policy changes. Witnesses …

Legislation to Repeal Federal Taxation of Social Security Benefits Introduced by Bipartisan Representatives

Denver, Colorado – Two Democratic representatives, Angie Craig from Minnesota, and Yadira Caraveo from Colorado, have introduced a new legislative proposal known as the “You Earned It, You Keep It Act.” This act aims to eliminate federal taxation on Social Security benefits starting in 2025. Caraveo emphasized that the proposed legislation would be funded by raising the cap for individuals earning more than $250,000 annually. She emphasized the importance of ensuring that hard-working individuals can …

Benefits for Foster Youths Protected in San Diego County Legislation

San Diego County in California has taken a significant step in supporting former foster youths by endorsing new state legislation that aims to ensure foster children receive survivor benefits when they come of age. This legislation, Assembly Bill 2906, would mandate that all counties in California hold Social Security benefits owed to foster children in accounts for them until they turn 18, rather than using the money to pay for their care. Between 40,000 and …

Legislation threatens VA healthcare funding, sparks privatization concerns

Washington, DC – A contentious debate has arisen in Congress over the proposed omnibus bill aimed at expanding community services for disabled and aging veterans and their caregivers. The bill, named the Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act, has sparked division between Democrats and Republicans on the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee. The top Democrat on the committee, Rep. Mark Takano of California, has criticized the bill, claiming it is a …

Benefits Boost: San Diego County Backs Legislation for Foster Youth Survivors

San Diego, California – Former foster youths and advocates are optimistic after San Diego County officials voiced support for new state legislation that would ensure foster children receive survivor benefits when their parents pass away, rather than allowing counties to claim those benefits. According to the University of San Diego’s Children’s Advocacy Institute, between 40,000 and 80,000 youths in foster care are eligible for or receiving Social Security disability, survivor, or other benefits, which can …

Congress Delaying Full Resolution of FY24 Spending Legislation Puts Health Care Stakeholders in Limbo

WASHINGTON, D.C. – With Congress delaying resolution of the federal spending legislation until at least early March, healthcare stakeholders are left waiting to resolve several priority issues once again. The delay creates an additional six-week window during which Congress could work to address at least some of these issues. However, the same challenges, including divisions over foreign aid and border security funding, and socially conservative policy riders, remain in place. The unresolved health care issues …