Social Security hasn’t kept up with the times

Currently, the Social Security system does not take anymore money from individual’s, when those whom make over $176,100 reach that income level. That means any money earned over that amount isn’t taxed for Social Security. If your work, receive income no matter what level it is, all need to pay into the system.

Ok, so how much money is/has been taken from Social Security to fund other ventures?

Social Security needs to be fair, EVERYONE, no matter how much income you make over the course of your annual income needs to pay into the system, so if you make $20K per year or $200K per year or $200,000,000,000 per year, everyone should contribute.

But once again, a system that hasn’t kept up with the times.

Write to your representative’s, give them your voice. One letter is worth the voice of thousands! Call their offices and get on their voice mail messaging.

— Colleen Ostlund, Boulder

Happy with your vote?

I can only hope that those who voted for the current administration are happy with their choice for president and for what is unfolding.

Those who voted for Trump are getting exactly what they asked for: Fired from their jobs, higher inflation, isolation from our closest allies, authoritarian regime, Musk’s attack on our personal information, Oligarchy, corruption, world chaos, lies, deception, media censorship, fear and discord. “Dictatorship on day one.”

This is what over half our country voted for. Well, they got it. Just like Hitler’s rise to power in the 1930s. As a jew, I am only glad Trump is pro-Israel and has a son-in-law who is Jewish.

— Jeffrey Michaels, Boulder

Waste can be cut, but with precision and less harm

I imagine there are many places in government where waste could be eliminated, but with some precision and common sense rather than arbitrarily wiping out agencies entirely or partially with the excuse being poor performance. How would one know about an employee’s duties or performance without critically looking at each position?

So, it’s not about waste; it’s about tearing down democracy and replacing it with an authoritarian regime favoring the very wealthy few. After all, billions could be saved by ending subsidies to oil companies which already are making enormous profits or by ending millions in government contracts to a business whose rockets blow up and cars catch on fire. These subsidies and contracts are more important to some than services to the poor, the elderly (which they earned), veterans, or for medical research and more important than feeding starving children abroad through USAID (which by the way benefits farmers).

Jesus said, “What does a man profit if he gains the whole world and loses his soul?” (Matthew 16:26)

— Janet Armstrong, Longmont

School lunches are an investment in our kids

I’ve been an educator for the last 10 years and I have seen first hand the impact that hunger can have on kids’ ability to pay attention, to learn and to reach their potential. The high school where I work has a vibrant mix of students, but one thing they all have in common is that having access to a fresh and nutritious lunch is crucial to their ability to grow, succeed and thrive.

Colorado’s Healthy School Meals for All program ensures that every student in our state has access to the food they need — and with so many families struggling with rising costs the need is substantial. Right now, the legislature is considering House Bill 25-1274. This legislation would make sure this program is fully funded to keep kids fed. It would also help to phase in a program to support stipends and wage boosts for the cafeteria staff who work so hard to prepare school meals.

Numerous studies have shown that students perform better academically, behaviorally and emotionally if they have the food they need during the school day, but I didn’t need research to tell me that. I hope you will join me in urging our state lawmakers to support this important bill. It is an investment in our kids, our schools and our communities.

— Pablo Rivera, Aurora