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Veterans’ Corner: Social security options for veterans
Social Security pays benefits to people who cannot work because they have a medical condition that is expected to last at least one year or result in death. Federal law requires this very strict definition of disability. While some programs…
Disability-related films get Oscar nominations
This year’s Oscar-nominated themes range from slavery to aging and disability. AIDS, mental illness and cancer are the disabilities of some Best Actor nominees’ characters. There is also a disability-related film nominated for Best Picture. “Dallas Buyers Club” is based on a…
Elections Office installs disability access booths for voting
With primary elections just around the corner, the Lubbock County (TX) Elections Office has been busy prepping for voting day.They’re not only concerned with the typical voting booths, but also with organizing and placing services geared toward making the voting…
SOCIAL SECURITY: When ‘storms’ hit, Social Security has you covered
You’ve probably noticed the unusually cold and stormy weather we’ve been experiencing this year. That makes it more appropriate than ever to recognize National Umbrella Month this March. April showers may bring May flowers, but the rain starts pouring in March.…
House GOP discuss health care alternative
House Republican leaders took a small step on Friday toward pulling together a viable alternative to President Barack Obama’s four-year-old health care law but faced deep divisions over whether the GOP caucus can coalesce around a comprehensive proposal. Majority Leader Eric…
Health care act no more a ‘job killer’ than Social Security or Medicare
People change their behavior in response to incentives. That is what economics is all about. So no one should be surprised that when a new law makes health care more accessible, some people will change their behavior, perhaps by working…
The Issue: Year of action? Doubtful.
U.S. President Barack Obama may have declared 2014 a year of action in his State of the Union address but lawmakers last week moved quickly after returning from their recess to knock down expectations. Even Obama seems to be rethinking his ambitions, deciding…
Actress with MS helps others with same disability
A Chicago actress with multiple sclerosis is on a mission to help other artists with the same disability. It has been 23 years since Mierka Girden, 44, was diagnosed with MS. She dealt with depression and sadness but realized that she had…
The dysfunctional debate on debt
Yes, annual deficits are falling dramatically. But the long-term debt isn’t. And both are projected to resume a northward trek in a few years. But lawmakers are not talking seriously about how to put the federal budget on sounder footing for the…
New bill would tighten restrictions for duty disability
A bill proposed by Sen. Glenn Grothman (R-West Bend) would dramatically alter the way the duty disability benefit program operates for public safety personnel under the Wisconsin Retirement System. Grothman said his measure would, among other things, give municipalities more control…