Editorial: Tax office closure harms local business
The Department of Revenue plans to close the Aiken field office along with three others to meet a 16 percent budget cut. The move would disrupt services for about 20 staff and many taxpayers across nine counties, and appears tied to political dynamics. Local lawmakers seek to retain at least a reduced office to assist business people and retirees with tax matters, arguing Aiken County’s growth warrants continued public access to revenue services.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Department of Revenue
Aiken
Revenue Agency
Spartanburg
Myrtle Beach
Beaufort
James Roland Smith
Langley Repuplican
State Revenue Office
Mee
Don Smith
North
Augusta
Revenue Department
Columbia
Aiken County
Aiken Standard Staff Roster
The Aiken Standard lists its leadership and department heads including Publisher Scott B. Hunter Editor Jeffrey B. Wallace Advertising Director Art Zappa Business Manager Ellen Priest Circulation Director Garth Groshans Managing Editor Timothy O’Brian Pressroom Supervisor James Bennett Jr Systems Manager David Boyd.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Scott B. Hunter
Jeffrey B. Wallace
Art Zappa
Ellen
Senate bill targets health insurer immunity and damages
A Chicago report notes broad concern over the costly health care system. The Senate bill sponsored by John McCain Edward Kennedy and John Edwards would strip ERISA immunity, allow up to 5 million dollars in punitive damages, and permit claims for lost wages medical bills and pain in federal court. The measure reflects public demand for patient rights and accountability.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Senate
House
John McCain
R-Ariz
Edward Kennedy
D-Mass
John Edwards
D-N.c
AMA
McCain Kennedy
Thomas Reardon
The
United States
Patients Bill of Rights debate cited by AMA leaders
Dr Quentin Young and student David Herstenson argue for single payer health care and a real patients bill of rights, criticizing AMA opposition and corporate influence. They advocate removing profits from health care and moving toward Medicare for all as a not for profit system.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Quentin Young
Physicians For A
David Herstenson
University of Wisconsin, Madison
Fixing a broken war by patients' bill of rights debate
Congress clings to the idea that a patients' bill of rights is urgent, citing Kaiser survey support. Yet when tied to costs for employers and health care issues, public backing fades as managed care problems shrink due to market forces and evolving case law rather than congressional action.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Washington
Congress
Ted Kennedy
American Medical Association
Kaiser Family Foundation
AMA
Patients Bill of Rights debate on suing HMOs
Greg Scandlen argues the health care crisis is not the lack of suing HMOs but contract disputes. He cites Supreme Court rulings allowing suit over medical judgment in state court and allows federal court for contract disputes. He warns expanded tort claims could raise premiums and reduce access to insurance for millions.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Senate
Joseph Lieberman
D-Conn
U.S. Supreme Court
McCain
Kennedy
Washington
Aiken letter defends flags and praises public safety service
A reader defends heritage banners and recalls the Declaration of Independence and Confederate history while praising Aiken Public Safety officers, especially Sgt. Lewis, for swift action after a purse theft. The letter argues for community responsibility, observing speed limits, and supporting local police amid limited resources.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Sgt. Lewis
Aiken
Sgt
Lewis
Aiken Standard Welcomes Letters to the Editor Policy
The Aiken Standard invites brief letters with signature mailing address and daytime and home numbers for verification. All letters may be edited or condensed and should be sent to Letters to the Editor PO Box 456 Aiken SC 29802 or emailed to wallace at aikenstandard dot com.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Aiken Standard
Aiken
S.C
Wallaceaikenstandard.com
Also Mentioned on This Page
Ventin Young
David Herszenso
West Witers
Chicago
Vendy
Duke
Vieques Islander
National Health Insurance
Medicare For
Insurnce Company
HMO
Singlepayer National Health Insurance
Mealey
Managed Care Liability Report
Managed Care Week
HMO Lawsuit Watch
Hmos
Greg Scandlen
National Center For Policy Analysis
Great Britain
Confederate States of America
Confederate States
Aiken Public Safety Department
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