News Articles
By the Press Democrat Editorial Board
Pull any three political leaders or pundits together, and you’re likely to get five different opinions on the state of Social Security. But there’s only thing on which most agree — a fix is critical.
With 10,000 baby boomers retiring each day, the math doesn’t work on the continued solvency of the program.
By Maggie Ybarra
WASHINGTON
California lawmakers, distressed by the number of veterans experiencing difficulties accessing benefits, want to use their congressional allowance to pay to train members of their staffs to access veterans’ records.
By Times-Herald Staff
U.S. Rep. Mike Thompson (D-St. Helena) this week announced Benicia High School’s Stella Li as the winner of the 2016 Congressional Art Competition for the 5th Congressional District.
Li’s work, titled “Memories of my Grandmother,” will be displayed in the U.S. Capitol for one year starting in June, Thompson said. Li and a guest will be flown to Washington, D.C., in June to attend a ceremony at the Capitol honoring the students selected as winners from congressional districts across the United States.
By Kenneth R. Harney
They are a giant presence in American real estate, but they get short shrift in the federal tax code: the estimated 340,000 communities across the country that are governed by homeowner associations and are often subject to a form of double taxation.
By Jennifer Huffman
It’s back to square one for Napa’s historic downtown post office.
An offer to buy the earthquake-damaged building has fallen through and bids are once again being accepted. Even faced with the costly task of redeveloping a historic building, the city and those familiar with the project remain optimistic a new buyer can be found.
By David Stoneberg
It was a few days before the tax deadline and Rep. Mike Thompson decided to stop at the UpValley Family Centers to discuss the center’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program.
Not to get his taxes done – he and wife Jan have used Mel Varrelman’s services for years – but to discover one of the centers’ most vibrant programs. Executive Director Jenny Ocón said last year the 27 tax preparers/volunteers provided free tax preparation services to 485 households, generating almost $780,000 in refunds.
By Guy Kovner
Judi Lutsky, a 72-year-old retired Rohnert Park teacher, is counting on Social Security to augment her pension as a career educator. The federal benefits system, she said, is a cornerstone to civil society and a key to her own well-being.
“We must keep it,” Lutsky said. “We have to do whatever it takes.”
By the Press-Democrat Editorial Board
Politics, as the German statesman Otto Von Bismarck said, is the art of the possible.
Right now, it seems as if getting any sort of gun safety legislation through Congress is close to impossible.
Give credit to Rep. Mike Thompson for not giving up.
Linda Parks of Napa was recognized as Napa County’s Woman of the Year by U.S. Rep. Mike Thompson at a ceremony held on March 20.
“Linda’s contributions to our community extend far beyond the success of her business,” said Thompson.
“Under Linda’s leadership, Lixit enables adults with disabilities to find employment and thereby gain independence. And, Linda is clearly beloved by her employees because there is hardly any employee turnover at Lixit,” he said. “Linda is an extraordinary individual, and it is my honor to recognize her as Napa County’s Woman of the Year.”
By Tom Lochner
Rep. Mike Thompson will speak about rail safety at 9 a.m. Thursday in the City Council chamber at Hercules City Hall, 111 Civic Drive.