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At least 4 killed in Oklahoma tornado outbreak; 10 shot outside Florida bar; AZ receives millions of dollars for solar investments; Maine prepares young people for climate change-related jobs, activism; Feds: Grocery chain profits soared during and after a pandemic.

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Ukraine receives much-needed U.S. aid, though it's just getting started. Protesting college students are up in arms about pro-Israel stances. And, end-of-life care advocates stand up for minors' gender-affirming care in Montana.

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More rural working-age people are dying young compared to their urban counterparts, the internet was a lifesaver for rural students during the pandemic but the connection has been broken for many, and conservationists believe a new rule governing public lands will protect them for future generations.

Milestone 78 for Social Security Today

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Wednesday, August 14, 2013   

CHEYENNE, Wyo. - Anniversary No. 78 is today for Social Security.

The monthly benefits go to 95 percent of Wyomingites ages 65 and older, and thousands more receive benefits because of disabilities.

Wyoming has a high percentage of veterans with disabilities receiving Social Security, said Timothy Lockwood, AARP Wyoming associate state director of communications. AARP credits the program with keeping thousands above the poverty line.

"There are people who consider this a lifeline," he said. "This is what keeps them off of state and local subsidies, and we want to continue that. They want to be able to support themselves, and Social Security is one of the ways we can do that."

Several proposals to change Social Security have been debated in Congress, including raising the retirement age and changing the way the cost-of-living adjustment is calculated. Lockwood said the so-called "chained CPI" plan gets a "thumbs down" from AARP, although the organization is open to discussing ways to control costs and keep it solvent long-term.

"We hope it's going to continue to provide that support as you, if you're not receiving it now, get to that age that you do start receiving it," he said. "That's what we want to do. We want to strengthen Social Security and make sure it's there to continue to support people."

The average retirement benefit in Wyoming is about $1,200 a month, with AARP pointing out that women disproportionately depend on Social Security for more than 50 percent of their incomes. Almost 67,000 Wyoming retirees receive payments each month.


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