Updated at 12:20 p.m. Wednesday
WASHINGTON — The U.S. Senate approved legislation Wednesday that will roll back an Obama administration rule requiring the Social Security Administration to submit information about mentally impaired recipients so they can be added to a list of people barred from purchasing a gun.
Social Security
Partisan split over state role in private-sector retirement
The investment industry and Senate Republicans lined up Tuesday against a Democratic proposal to create a state-sponsored retirement savings program for the 600,000 private-sector workers in Connecticut who have no access to a payroll savings plan.
CT lawmakers say Boehner’s resignation cuts shutdown odds, but threat remains
WASHINGTON – House Speaker John Boehner’s decision to resign may have lessened the prospects of a government shutdown, but that won’t be known for sure until Congress considers a short-term spending bill next week. Meanwhile, Connecticut agencies have been told to draw up contingency plans.
CT lawmakers tackle Social Security solvency problem
WASHINGTON – Connecticut lawmakers are promoting a plan they say would shore up the solvency of the Social Security system for 75 years — and give about 11 million seniors a tax break. U.S. Rep. John Larson, D-1st District, and U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., introduced bills in the House and Senate Tuesday they say would eliminate a projected shortfall in the Social Security program.
For Larson, Coltsville win caps acrimonious session
WASHINGTON – In a Congress marked by partisan acrimony, only two House Democrats voted more loyally with their party than U.S. Rep. John Larson in the 113th Congress, according to a ranking by the Sunlight Foundation. But an analysis of the bills he’s sponsored and his work shows he’s the rare Democrat who can work with Republicans. (This is the first in a series of stories on the roles the Connecticut congressional delegation played in the 113th Congress.)
Newly legalized CT immigrants eligible for Social Security, Medicare, but not other benefits
WASHINGTON – Immigrants in Connecticut who receive provisional legal status under President Obama’s new executive orders will be eligible for Social Security and Medicare, but not food stamps or health care benefits provided by AccessHealthCT.
Foley’s tax relief on retirement benefits would cost about $100 million
Much of Tom Foley’s last-minute proposal to cut taxes on Social Security benefits already is covered in existing state law. And the GOP gubernatorial nominee’s overall tax relief proposal on retirement benefits would expand Connecticut’s post-election deficit by roughly $100 million next fiscal year.
Esty, Greenberg make final appeals to 5th District voters
Washington – With the 5th District seat in Congress at stake, Democratic Rep. Elizabeth Esty and challenger Republican Mark Greenberg are making last-minute appeals to voters help turn out their supporters and sway the undecided.
Greenberg, Esty make pitch for senior votes at AARP forum
Washington – Rep. Elizabeth Esty, D-5th District, and her Republican rival Mark Greenberg, addressed issues important to aging Americans Wednesday, agreeing that Social Security needs to be strengthened but clashing over the Affordable Care Act.
Another surprise in a 5th CD debate, this time on taxes
Republican Mark Greenberg surprised U.S. Rep. Elizabeth Esty, D-5th District, at their final debate Tuesday by declaring himself open to a higher Social Security tax, despite attacking her in a new TV commercial for taking the same position.
Greenberg campaign hits Esty on taxes
The campaign of Republican candidate Mark Greenberg is hitting his rival, Rep. Elizabeth Esty, D-5th District, on the issue of taxes.
In 1st debate, Esty, Greenberg tangle on ethics, energy, foreign affairs
DANBURY — Connecticut’s 5th Congressional District candidates Elizabeth Esty and Mark Greenberg clashed on personal ethics, foreign affairs, energy policy and gun control Thursday during their first public forum.
Greenberg defends his stance on Social Security, attacks Esty
The heat was turned up in the 5th District race Wednesday as Republican Mark Greenberg, who is trying to unseat Democratic Rep. Elizabeth Esty, released a new ad that takes aim at attacks on Greenberg’s position on Social Security. Greenberg’s new ad, called “Barking Again,” shows a pup barking at a television ad.
Esty airs first campaign ad
Washington – Rep. Elizabeth Esty, D-5th District, showcased the power of incumbency in the first television ad of her campaign.
Op-ed: Connecticut must consider a public retirement plan
With Congress paralyzed by partisan infighting, it’s up to states like Connecticut to make it possible for ordinary people to retire without facing poverty.
