**Social Security Expansion Plan Urged by Biden Ahead of State of the Union**

Washington, D.C. – President Joe Biden is expected to address Social Security during this year’s State of the Union, focusing on the need for millionaires and billionaires to contribute more toward the program. Last year, Biden called out Republicans for their support of Social Security cuts, and now he is considering advocating for an expansion of benefits to address the retirement income crisis facing many Americans. With average benefits at $1,770 a month, Social Security …

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Trump Defeats Haley in South Carolina Primary, Dominating Her Home State

Charleston, South Carolina – In a surprising turn of events during the South Carolina GOP primary election, former President Donald Trump emerged victorious, defeating former United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley in her home state. Trump’s win in the 2024 South Carolina Republican presidential primary has raised questions about Haley’s viability as a political contender in the future. Exit polls revealed how Trump managed to secure a significant lead over Haley in the primary election, showcasing …

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Healthcare Challenges in Rural Pennsylvania Addressed by State Policy Committee

Monongahela, Pennsylvania – The Pennsylvania Senate’s Majority Policy Committee, chaired by Sen. Scott Hutchinson, delved into the pressing issues surrounding rural healthcare during a recent meeting in Monongahela. The discussion, held at Penn Highlands Mon Valley Hospital on February 14, aimed to address the unique challenges faced by rural communities in Pennsylvania. Senator Hutchinson emphasized the importance of finding sustainable solutions to enhance healthcare accessibility for residents in these areas. With approximately one-third of Pennsylvania’s …

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Immigrants in Maryland may soon access health insurance through state exchange

Annapolis, Maryland – The Maryland House has passed a legislation to allow individuals to purchase health insurance through the state’s health care exchange regardless of their immigration status, pending federal approval. The bill, which received a 101-34 vote in favor, now moves to the Senate for further consideration. The proposed measure mandates the Maryland Health Benefit Exchange to submit a federal waiver application by July 1, 2025, to institute the program. Currently, federal restrictions prevent …

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Tax Cut: West Virginia Lawmakers Approve Phasing Out State Income Tax on Social Security Benefits

Charleston, West Virginia – Lawmakers in West Virginia have passed a bill to gradually phase out state income tax on Social Security benefits, marking a significant development in ongoing efforts to provide financial relief to retirees. The initiative, proposed by Republican Governor Jim Justice in January, is part of a broader series of tax cuts aimed at boosting the state’s economy. The recent approval by the West Virginia House of Delegates signals progress towards the …

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Supplement: How Much Money You’ll Need To Supplement Your Social Security in Every State

Retirees in every state are facing the challenge of supplementing their Social Security income to cover living expenses. The amount of money needed varies depending on factors such as cost of living, housing expenses, and healthcare costs. It is essential to understand the financial landscape in each state to ensure a comfortable retirement. In Hawaii, retirees may need $33,252 annually to supplement their Social Security income, while in Mississippi, only $14,832 may be necessary. Factors …

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West Virginia Lawmakers Consider Phased Elimination of State Income Tax on Social Security Benefits

Charleston, West Virginia – The House Finance Committee has made progress in moving forward with Governor Jim Justice’s proposal to eliminate the state income tax on Social Security benefits for middle and higher income West Virginians. However, lawmakers are proceeding cautiously, opting to phase out the tax over three years instead of implementing an immediate elimination that would cut an estimated $37 million out of state revenue. Committee chairman Vernon Criss (R, Wood) expressed concerns …

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Alabama Supreme Court Rules Frozen Embryos Are Children Under State Law, Subject to Wrongful Death Legislation

MONTGOMERY, Alabama – The Alabama Supreme Court has made a landmark ruling regarding the status of frozen embryos, declaring them to be children under state law and thus subject to legislation pertaining to the wrongful death of a minor. This decision came as a result of a lawsuit filed by a group of in vitro fertilization (IVF) patients whose embryos were destroyed in 2020. The embryos were removed from a cryogenic storage unit and accidentally …

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Healthcare Workplace Violence: Rising Risk Triggers State Mandates for Comprehensive Policies

Austin, Texas – Healthcare facilities across the nation are facing a growing concern as statistics show that healthcare workers are five times more likely to experience workplace violence than workers in other industries. This alarming trend has only intensified in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, prompting legislative responses and calls for comprehensive workplace violence policies. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics has identified violence in healthcare settings as a significant occupational risk, signaling the …

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“Retirement” Britain’s Biggest Independent Organization Criticizes Proposal to Raise State Retirement Age to 71

London, England – Critics of a proposal to raise the state retirement age to 71 warn that it will disproportionately affect middle-aged individuals. The proposal has sparked concerns from the National Pensioners Convention (NPC), which represents over 1.15 million members, as well as former pensions minister, Ros Altmann. The NPC expressed that the proposal does not accurately reflect the challenges of aging in the UK. General Secretary Jan Shortt highlighted that the increase in the …

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