skip to main content
skip to newscasts

Thursday, February 6, 2025

Public News Service Logo
facebook instagram linkedin reddit youtube twitter
view newscast page
play newscast audioPlay

Trump signs executive order banning transgender athletes from women's sports, directing DOJ to enforce; Educators voice concern for PA immigrant student protections; WA rent stabilization bills have huge public support; ME benefits from $2.2 billion in federal clean energy investments.

view newscast page
play newscast audioPlay

Nationwide protests erupt against federal policies, Indiana's EV infrastructure expansion stalls due to a funding freeze, and Washington state pushes for rent stabilization to combat rising housing costs.

view newscast page
play newscast audioPlay

During Black History Month, a new book shares how a unique partnership built 5,000 schools for Black students, anti-hunger advocates say ag communities would benefit from an expanded SNAP program, and Americans have $90 billion in unpaid medical bills.

Social Security, caregiving top issues for older ME voters

play audio
Play

Monday, November 4, 2024   

Mainers over 50 are the state's largest voting bloc and surveys show they are concerned how the election will affect Social Security.

The fund's reserves could become insolvent in 2035 and preventing any shortfalls will require Congressional action.

Noël Bonam, state director of AARP Maine, said more than 350,000 Mainers depend on their monthly checks as a source of income.

"Candidates who support policies that will protect Social Security would be the candidate that they would be voting for," Bonam explained.

Bonam pointed out caregiving is another top-of-mind concern for voters. The state's passage of a paid family and medical leave program is expected to help an estimated 166,000 unpaid caregivers. But family advocates said lawmakers need to ensure continued funds and services are available to get people the financial and emotional support they need.

Both Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump have pledged not to cut Social Security payments. Harris said she will raise taxes on wealthy households to ensure top earners are paying their fair share, while Trump supports privatizing the system, which analysts noted carries some risk.

Bonam recommended if voters are unsure of where their congressional representatives stand on the issue, they should give them a call.

"Picking up the phone or sending an email to the campaign offices of the candidates I think are great ways to kind of get more information on the positions of candidates," Bonam advised.

Bonam observed most state-level candidates list their positions on Social Security on their campaign websites. He added AARP Maine has created a nonpartisan, online voter guide, which is useful to both first-time and lifelong voters. It includes information on voter registration, absentee ballots, and recent changes in Maine election law.

Disclosure: AARP Maine contributes to our fund for reporting on Consumer Issues, Health Issues, Senior Issues, and Social Justice. If you would like to help support news in the public interest, click here.


get more stories like this via email
more stories
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Economic Research Service, Mississippi has the highest rates of food insecurity in the nation. (Katerina Holmes/Pexels)

Social Issues

play sound

Mississippi families struggling with food insecurity are bracing for another difficult summer after state officials declined millions in federal fundi…


Environment

play sound

Some experts predict arable land per person will shrink by two-thirds by 2050. To combat it, Michigan students are being trained in "smart" …

Environment

play sound

A new study by the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality found nitrate levels have continued to rise across the Lower Umatilla Basin Groundwater …


Currently, insurance companies get to decide how much of a public ambulance service's rate to pay, which can lead to patients being charged the unpaid balance. (Adobe Stock)

Social Issues

play sound

Colorado lawmakers are working to ensure all Coloradans with health coverage for ambulance services are not hit with surprise bills or charged higher …

Environment

play sound

Conservation groups in Maine are calling on the state's congressional delegation to protect federal funding for clean energy technologies. A new …

Osprey, bluefish, red drum and cobia rely on menhaden populations for food. (Adobe Stock)

play sound

Atlantic menhaden weigh less than a pound and measure little more than a foot long but the small fish has big consequences for the Chesapeake Bay ecos…

Social Issues

play sound

Gov. Kay Ivey delivered her 2025 State of the State address this week, focusing on education, public safety, and economic growth in Alabama. She …

Social Issues

play sound

In rural states such as South and North Dakota and large urban centers around the U.S., protests were held Wednesday amid fears about the first wave …

 

Phone: 303.448.9105 Toll Free: 888.891.9416 Fax: 208.247.1830 Your trusted member- and audience-supported news source since 1996 Copyright © 2021