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Representative Smucker Suggests Raising Social Security Payroll Tax Cap to Prevent Benefit Cuts

Representative Smucker Suggests Raising Social Security Payroll Tax Cap to Prevent Benefit Cuts

Representative Lloyd K. Smucker of Pennsylvania, a leading candidate for the House Budget Committee Republicans in the next Congress, has indicated that increasing the cap on income subject to Social Security payroll taxes could be a viable strategy to prevent a projected 22% cut in benefits by 2032. According to the Social Security Board of Trustees, such cuts would be necessary without intervention. Smucker emphasized the need for a comprehensive national dialogue to address the fiscal challenges facing Social Security, aiming to fulfill its promises while also managing the program's financial trajectory. He noted that a payroll tax increase, while historically controversial for Republicans, might become more acceptable as lawmakers from both parties seek a compromise to avert the exhaustion of Social Security trust funds. The current payroll tax, which stands at 6.2% for both employees and employers, is only applied to the first $184,500 of earned income in 2026, with annual adjustments for inflation. T...
Reuters Reuters
Republicans are making Muslims a campaign issue in the 2026 US midterms

Republicans are making Muslims a campaign issue in the 2026 US midterms

By Richard Cowan and David Hood-Nuño WASHINGTON, Sept 8 (Reuters) - Republican Vice President JD Vance called Abdul El-Sayed, a Muslim and a Democrat running for the U.S.
Cincinnati Enquirer Cincinnati Enquirer
Which local Republicans will attend Trump's 'Midterm Convention'?

Which local Republicans will attend Trump's 'Midterm Convention'?

Republicans will gather in Dallas next week for a "Midterm Convention," including some of Greater Cincinnati's officials.
Reuters Reuters
Factbox-The nine midterm races that will decide control of the US Senate

Factbox-The nine midterm races that will decide control of the US Senate

By Andy Sullivan WASHINGTON, Sept 7 (Reuters) - Democrats need to pick up four seats from Republicans to win control of the 100-seat Senate in the midterm elections on November 3. While voters will pick candidates in 35 states, independent analysts only see nine of those races as competitive.
The Columbus Dispatch The Columbus Dispatch
Waitresses should be taxed like everyone else. Don't let the 'breaks' fool you | Letters

Waitresses should be taxed like everyone else. Don't let the 'breaks' fool you | Letters

Letters: Everyone must pay. Who needs lettuce anyway? If voters don't show up, our freedoms will stop showing up too.
Rapid Read Rapid Read
Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer Addresses Republican Plans to Cut Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid

Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer Addresses Republican Plans to Cut Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid

Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) recently spoke on the Senate floor, highlighting what he described as congressional Republicans' plan to cut Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid. According to Schumer, this plan was revealed by Mike Johnson, indicating that if Republicans maintain their majority, these cuts would be pursued. Schumer emphasized that this comes at a time when Americans are already facing financial struggles. He also pointed out that, due to what he termed Republicans’ 'massive tax giveaway to the wealthiest Americans,' Social Security is in a more precarious financial state than it has been in over 30 years, with insolvency projected to occur sooner. Schumer criticized Republicans for adding trillions to the national debt through tax cuts for billionaires, while simultaneously proposing reductions to essential healthcare and retirement benefits for working Americans. He specifically referenced Johnson's statements as evidence of Republicans' intentions to make further cuts af...
The Columbus Dispatch The Columbus Dispatch
Alleged attack on Amy Acton not isolated. I saw jarring acts while campaigning | Opinion

Alleged attack on Amy Acton not isolated. I saw jarring acts while campaigning | Opinion

The alleged attack on Amy Acton highlights a disturbing trend of violence and threats at political events. I've seen it myself.
Vox Vox
Data centers are bringing Americans together

Data centers are bringing Americans together

And politicians can’t run away fast enough.
Cincinnati Enquirer Cincinnati Enquirer
Cincinnati can't afford Trump's mass deportation push | Opinion

Cincinnati can't afford Trump's mass deportation push | Opinion

Opinion: Cincinnati needs workers. Mass deportation drives them away.
USA Today USA Today
Battleground candidates head to GOP convention. Could it backfire?

Battleground candidates head to GOP convention. Could it backfire?

The convention program released by the Republican National Committee includes Senate candidates in Michigan, Ohio, North Carolina, Georgia and Texas.
Rapid Read Rapid Read
Representative Rudy Yakym Emphasizes Dignity of Work in Welfare Reform Hearing

Representative Rudy Yakym Emphasizes Dignity of Work in Welfare Reform Hearing

During a Ways and Means Work and Welfare Subcommittee hearing on September 4, 2026, Representative Rudy Yakym (IN-02) highlighted the importance of work in overcoming poverty. The hearing marked the 30th anniversary of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act (PRWORA) of 1996, which introduced significant welfare reforms. Yakym engaged with Misty Kelso, a witness who testified about her personal journey from poverty, abuse, and addiction. Kelso stated that government assistance alone could not break her destructive cycle, but work provided her with purpose and dignity, enabling her to transform her life. Yakym questioned whether government assistance had, in fact, contributed to keeping her trapped in that cycle, to which Kelso affirmed it had, making it easier to remain dependent due to barriers like lack of childcare and community. The discussion underscored the Republican perspective that work requirements are crucial for fostering independence and self-sufficiency, contrastin...
USA Today USA Today
Happy Labor Day. Everything's about to cost more! | Opinion

Happy Labor Day. Everything's about to cost more! | Opinion

Get ready for everything to get more expensive. Labor Day weekend was ushered in by news that diesel fuel prices hit a record high.