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- Written by: Congressman Mike Thompson
Five years later, on Jan. 31, 1940, the first monthly Social Security retirement check was issued to Ida May Fuller of Ludlow, Vermont. The check was for $22.54. Miss Fuller, a retired legal secretary, started collecting benefits at age 65 and lived to be 100 years old.
Social Security has been a promise to our country’s workers for generations to allow them to retire with dignity after decades of hard work. Today, residents of California’s Fourth District receive a total of $286 million per month in Social Security benefits.
Those benefits deliver financial security to retirees and disabled Californians. But Social Security’s impact doesn’t stop there. Those dollars go into our local economy, supporting our businesses and banks and enriching our entire community.
A recent proposal by the Republican Study Committee in Congress takes aim at Social Security. In it, conservative lawmakers suggest cutting the program by over $1.5 trillion, reducing disability benefits, and raising the retirement age to 69.
I’m against those extreme measures.
My colleagues who want to cut the program and raise the retirement age are scaring Americans into believing it’s our only option to save a failing Social Security. This is nonsense. Social Security isn’t failing.
Social Security is 100 percent solvent for the next decade. After that, simple changes can be made to ensure it remains strong and will provide retirement security for another 89 years.
That’s why I’ve co-sponsored legislation led by my colleague Rep. John Larson (D-CT) to ensure Social Security continues to deliver full benefits to everyone without making unnecessary cuts or raising the retirement age.
Social Security is a cornerstone of American life. On the program’s 89th birthday, I’m recommitting to strengthening Social Security so it can continue to serve Americans through 2100 and beyond.
Congressman Mike Thompson represents California’s Fourth Congressional District, which includes all or part of Lake, Napa, Solano, Sonoma and Yolo counties.
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- Written by: Dan Hough
While campaigning for reelection, she said the name change should be left to the people of Kelseyville.
By voting for the countywide vote, she has gone back on her word and is no longer neutral.
It should not matter which side of the issue you are on, she broke her promise to all of us.
Dan Hough lives in Kelseyville, California.
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- Written by: Carolynn Jarrett
Here’s what I think:
If our elected officials are unwilling to take the heat and make a decision, then …
The question of the name change should be left up to the people of Kelseyville.
However, if the name is going to be changed, I think it should be changed to something other than “Konocti.”
I was a teacher and board member in the Konocti Unified School District. To name Kelseyville Konocti will cause undue confusion.
I am sure that there are many meaningful words in native languages which could better describe the community.
Please do not use Konocti.
Carolynn Jarrett lives in Clearlake, California.
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- Written by: Brock Falkenberg
It takes each and every one of us to prioritize the safety and well-being of our children and families.
In the past year, Lake County Child Welfare Services received approximately 1,500 reports of abuse or neglect. Currently, the Lake County Child Welfare Services reports that 72 children/youth in Lake County are placed outside their parents' homes due to abuse or neglect.
According to the Child Welfare Information Gateway, each year in the United States, over 4.2 million referrals are made to child protective services for child abuse and neglect, impacting an estimated 7.5 million children. This reality emphasizes the importance of community-driven action and awareness.
In observance of Child Abuse Prevention Month, numerous events and activities are planned throughout April.
From the Pinwheel Challenge to children's festivals at Library Park in Lakeport on April 13th and Austin Park in Clearlake on April 27, we are dedicated to raising awareness and promoting the importance of child safety.
At the Lake County Office of Education, we are proud to be actively engaged in initiatives aimed at preventing child abuse and supporting families.
This includes the Lake County Children's Council-Building Resilient Lake County, the Nurturing Families Program, and various other local initiatives. We are committed to fostering environments where children can thrive and grow free from harm.
I encourage our community members to join us in keeping Lake County children safe. Let us stand together in solidarity against child abuse, and work to create safe and nurturing environments for all children.
Brock Falkenberg is Lake County superintendent of schools.