After years of grassroots advocacy, Maine will become the 13th state in the nation to adopt a mandatory paid family and medical leave program. Employers and employees will split a 1% payroll tax to fund the program, allowing many workers to take up to twelve weeks of paid leave each year to care for a newborn or a sick family member. Bridget Quinn with AARP Maine lauded the new program for its generous definition of "family member," which acknowledges it can sometimes mean a neighbor or even a dear friend. .
There is renewed debate in Congress over the future of programs like Social Security and Medicare, and Wisconsin voices and advocacy groups are worried potential cuts are surfacing again. In the past, Social Security has been targeted by GOP lawmakers who argued changes are needed to keep it solvent. Now, the House Republican Study Committee is proposing raising the retirement age and reducing benefits for above-average earners. .
Increased home prices, increased interest rates and fewer homes to choose from are making it hard for buyers to find the right home for their American Dream.
More Ohio students who qualify for reduced-priced meals will now be able to eat breakfast and lunch at school, even if their families cannot pay for it, thanks to a provision in the $191 billion, two-year state budget recently approved by Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine. Since March 2020, the U.S. .
Rural Ohio towns could see boosts in economic development projects, and investments in workforce development, emergency preparedness and water and sewer facilities, under recently introduced congressional legislation. The Rebuild Rural America Act, reintroduced by congressional lawmakers last month would create a new $50 billion long-term grant program for distressed rural communities. Sara Morgan, president of the Federation of Appalachian Housing Enterprises, said the bill would funnel much needed resources and support to rural communities facing different challenges. .