Topic: Social Security
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Five ways to improve Obama's pre-k plan
President Obama’s Preschool for All plan is well intentioned but includes features that are not justified by research and won’t help it pass in Congress. The plan must make the following five adjustments.
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5 myths about amnesty for illegal immigrants in Senate bill
Under a bipartisan Senate immigration bill, immigrants who have come to the United States illegally are given a "path to citizenship." On close inspection, each of the following five claims about the requirements for illegal immigrants to earn amnesty are not what they seem.
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If not 'sequester,' then what? Five ideas from left and right.
Few in Washington believe that "the sequester,” $85 billion in automatic spending cuts set to hit the federal budget as of March 1, is a good idea. But what's the alternative? Here are five proposals, from the right, the center, and the left, to replace the sequester. Which do you like?
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Sequester 101: What happens if $85 billion in cuts hit on March 1
The sequester is a complex concept with a tortuous history. Here are the basics on the automatic spending reductions set to kick in March 1.
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Eight steps to getting the right insurance
Comparing insurance policies is tough. However, by following these eight steps, you can simplify the process and find the right insurance policy for you.
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Obama to propose $33 billion in tax credits for employers
On Friday, Obama is set to announce tax credits for employers, with the aim of encouraging businesses to hire. Congress would have to vote on the proposal.
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State of the Union reactions: a mix of praise and skepticism
President Obama's State of the Union speech evoked mixed reactions from groups representing seniors, environmentalists, and small businesses. Some praised his policy proposals but wanted to see more action.
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State of the Union address -- President Obama's full remarks
Full text of President Obama's State of the Union address
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What Wall Street wants from Obama in State of the Union address
President Obama has responded to recent setbacks by striking a more populist tone, and his primary target has been Wall Street. Bankers are hoping he takes a more inclusive line in his State of the Union address Wednesday.
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The Monitor's View: The Senate’s opportunity to reduce the deficit
It should support a bipartisan commission to secure the country’s fiscal future.
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Cities, not just banks, are pursuing foreclosures, too
Desperate for revenue, more cities and counties are proceeding with tax foreclosures when residents fall several years behind on their property taxes.
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Opinion: Best move for the GOP: Embrace the center
The middle gives the Republican Party the best hope of curbing Democratic excess.
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D.C. Decoder: Where do your tax dollars actually go?
In a recent survey, Americans said slashing money for space exploration would help balance the federal budget. But the bulk of tax dollars go to other programs.
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Ben Nelson backs healthcare reform bill, Dems see finish line
Sen. Ben Nelson of Nebraska announced his support of the Senate healthcare reform bill Saturday. That gives Democrats the 60 votes they need to stop a Republican filibuster.
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Healthcare holdouts: Will Olympia Snowe be the 60th vote?
The moderate senator, who met with Obama Thursday, could provide the key vote in passing healthcare legislation. But he has yet to secure her support.
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Candidates for Kennedy's Senate seat try to carry his mantle
For three of the four candidates in Tuesday’s Democratic primary, the temptation to try to position themselves as heir to the Kennedy legacy has proved too sweet to resist.
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Opinion: What if interns went on strike?
Internships have come to replace entry-level jobs, but without advancement. Why should people work for free when there's no reward?
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The Monitor's View: The agony of job creation
Obama has wisely resisted various ideas in Congress to boost private hiring through direct government action. But there may be tax incentives that can work – with trade-offs.
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Does US need a second stimulus to create jobs?
With the economy still in rough shape, calls mount for extra infusions of federal money. But critics say the first stimulus hasn't created the jobs it was supposed to.
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ECONOMIC SCENE: Social Security pensioners deserve a $250 ‘raise’
With no COLA adjustment this year, the Obama administration is right to give seniors a $250 boost.
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Post-Depression first: Americans get more money from government than they give back
For the first time since the 1930s, households are paying less in personal taxes than state and federal governments are paying out through transfer programs like Social Security.
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ECONOMIC SCENE: On national debt, worries are bipartisan
The national debt is worrying to conservatives and liberals alike. The question? What to do about it.
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Americans' income and spending drop, despite stimulus
Household disposable income stagnated in September, and spending fell 0.5 percent, the government reported. The figures call into question the strength of the economic recovery.
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Obama's Nobel Peace Prize becoming a political lead weight
Barack Obama's Nobel Peace Prize is looking less and less like a shiny trophy for his mantel and more like a political lead anchor.
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Do seniors on Social Security deserve that raise next year?
Elected officials seem eager to raise Social Security payments for seniors, even though inflation has been flat. It could lead to larger costs in the future, some analysts warn.
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Obama's first year in office
With Nobel in hand, Obama needs to walk the talk
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Seniors on Social Security likely to get a bonus check
There won’t be a cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) next year. But lawmakers of both parties – and Obama – want to help Social Security recipients during tough economic times.
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Obama: give seniors an extra $250 each
The payments would be similar to the checks that Social Security retirees and others received in May as part of the economic stimulus legislation.
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The Monitor's View: Senate Finance Committee bill's soft spot: health care insurance mandate
Americans must be aware of how mandates might impinge on their choices – and how vulnerable Obama's plan might be to court challenge.
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Opinion: Shocked, shocked to find socialism in America
Do critics of Obama's health reforms realize how socialistic we already are?
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