News and perspective on public policy issues affecting Washington's economy and quality of life, brought to you by the Economic Opportunity Institute.
This PBS NewsHour video from 2005 feels a bit dated, but the points are still largely true. The payroll tax cap is now $113,700, and just 84% of wages are subject to Social Security taxes. Social Security taxes are still not paid on capital gains or investment income, and the vast majority of income gains in the […]
Unlike most workers in Washington state, workers in California can take paid family leave when welcoming a new baby, providing care for a seriously ill family member, or recovering from their own serious health condition. California’s legislature made this possible in 2002, when they passed a paid family and medical leave law allowing workers to […]
New Jersey is one of just a handful of U.S. states that offers paid family leave, allowing workers up to six weeks of paid time off to bond with a new baby or care for a seriously ill family member. Now, New Jersey State Assemblymembers are set to consider another pro-worker/family bill that would allow all workers […]
Sitka News reports Senator Mark Begich (D-Alaska) is prepared to introduce legislation to protect and preserve Social Security benefits for future generations, while shoring up the system’s long-term solvency. Senator Begich introduced his plan in response to President Obama’s proposal to switch to the Chained CPI, which would cut annual cost-of-living increases for seniors and veterans on Social […]
