David Cay Johnston: Social Security Is Not Going Broke

Staff / Truthdig May 4, 2012 "Which federal program took in more than it spent last year, added $95 billion to its surplus and lifted 20 million Americans of all ages out of poverty?" finance columnist David Cay Johnston asks. Dig deeper ( 2 Min. Read )

Social Security and the Generation Gap

Staff / Truthdig Nov 5, 2011 Most Americans think that the big government entitlement programs -- Social Security and Medicare -- are a good thing. But young and old part company, according to a new Pew report, over the current effectiveness of the programs and what to do about it. (more) Dig deeper ( 1 Min. Read )

Minnesota Moves to Make the Rich Pay More

Staff / Truthdig Feb 27, 2011 Like most states, Minnesota has a big budget problem. But unlike most states, it’s looking to the well-heeled to help fill the gap. Gov. Mark Dayton plans to attack the state's $6.2 billion deficit by raising taxes on the rich. Dig deeper ( 1 Min. Read )

Millions March in France

Staff / Truthdig Oct 17, 2010 In demonstrations across France, protesters have marched repeatedly against plans by the Sarkozy government to cut social programs and hike the retirement age as short-term budget woes have given the center-right president the opportunity to push through neoliberal reforms. Dig deeper ( 1 Min. Read )

Schwarzenegger Slashes Social Programs

Staff / Truthdig Oct 9, 2010 Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has taken the ax yet again to California's social programs, vetoing almost $1 billion in spending on welfare, special education, child care and other programs before signing a budget bill into law. Dig deeper ( 1 Min. Read )

New Jersey: Ding the Poor or Tax the Rich?

Staff / Truthdig Jun 20, 2010 Cut services for poorer senior citizens and the disabled or tax the rich? That's the question that will be debated in the New Jersey Legislature on Monday as the state maneuvers to balance a budget deficit of close to $11 billion. Dig deeper ( 1 Min. Read )

Spain Bites the Bullet

Staff / Truthdig May 28, 2010 As the euro continues to tank and European countries scramble to deal with shrinking economic forecasts, Spain has proposed slashing its spending plans by nearly 8 percent next year as it struggles to deal with financial turbulence. Dig deeper ( 1 Min. Read )