Social Security Declares Independence as Agency Reform
Washington lawmakers move Social Security to independent status to boost accountability though critics say the change ignores the system’s looming insolvency. Experts warn of insolvency by 2019 with assets exhausted by 2029 unless reforms raise payroll taxes, lift the retirement age, cut benefits, or means-test payments.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Washington
Mother accused in son's death ruled incompetent
In Long Beach California a woman charged with murdering her 22 month old son and attempting to murder his 3 year old brother by throwing them into the Los Angeles River was found mentally incompetent to stand trial. A court doctor said the arraignment was postponed and the defendant must return April 13 for another mental status hearing. The 24 year old, Donna Jean Fleming, reportedly suffers hallucinations from medication and spoke of invisible beings during the incident.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Long Beach
Calif
Donna Jean Fleming
Victor T Berrera
Fleming
Guns and Drugs Put Teens on Edge at School
The CDC survey of about 16000 students in grades 1 through 12 finds 11 percent carried weapons on campus in the past month and 24 percent were offered or given drugs at school in the past year. The study underlines violence as a teen health problem and calls for action to curb weapons and drugs in schools.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Atlanta
David Satcher
Centers For Disease Control and Prevention
CDC
Marjorie Hogan
Minneapolis
American Academy of Pediatrics
Satcher
Keith Geiger
National Education Association
Geiger
Senate debates long term effects of direct student loan plan
Senate subcommittee explores the new direct student loan program amid budget and debt concerns. President Clinton touts savings from cutting banks subsidies while Republicans warn of a growing federal bureaucracy. Sen Jim Jeffords voices resistance to broad giveaways and repayment challenges. Education officials say they are designing tracking methods for potential issues.
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Senate
Clinton
Congress
Education Subcommittee
Jim Jeffords
R-Vt
Fimangal Aid
Education Department
DC panel to oversee District finances amid deficit
A House committee approved creating a five member presidentially appointed panel to take control of D C finances as the city faced a projected $722 million deficit. Rep Tom Davis said the measure could reach the House floor soon with Senate action expected.
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House
District of Columbia
Tom Davis Rva
Senate
Congress
Panel urges Medicare reform to refigure physician pay
An advisory panel urged Congress to scrap Medicare's flawed physician payment formula and raise fees by 19 percent in line with GDP growth. The Pay Physicians Review Commission warned continued cuts could push Medicare rates below private insurers, reducing doctors' willingness to treat beneficiaries.
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Congress
Medicare
John M Ensenberg
Charman
Adve Ors
Exeenberg
Hospi Tawa der Arere
Kansas Democrat Ghekman Confirmed Agriculture Secretary
Senate approves Dan Ghekhman as secretary of agriculture in a 94 to 0 vote. He pledges to advocate for farmers and represent all Americans while guiding farm policy amid ongoing debates over farm bill programs and price supports.
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Washington
Dan Ghekman Washandil
Kansas
House Agriculture Committee
Amenca
Ghekhman
Senate
Richard & Rominger
Jane
Glickman
Mike Espy
Ghickman
Geriy
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