Home Blog Page 328

Don’t Be a Fool This April 1: Celebrate ‘4/01(k) Day’ Instead

By
Statepoint
-
0

April Fool’s Day is just around the corner. Even in today’s socially-distanced environment, people are sure to attempt a few pranks to mark the day. As in normal years, the majority will be silly, some will be hilarious, while others will fall flat.

This year, try something different and celebrate 4/01(k) Day instead. To mark the occasion, Lincoln Financial Group is encouraging savers to test their knowledge on three common misconceptions about saving for retirement revealed in a recent survey of U.S. employees by Lincoln Financial and CivicScience:

• True or False: “Saving enough to meet the employer match is enough to keep me on track for a comfortable retirement.” This one is (most likely) false! An employer match (if offered) is a good place to start, but if you really want to make sure you have enough of a nest egg to retire when and how you want, a good rule of thumb is to save at least 10 to 15 percent of your salary.

• True or False: “Paying down my student loan debt as quickly as possible is more important than saving for my retirement.” This can be true…or false, depending on your situation. While you should not delay saving for retirement, it’s a good idea to speak with a financial professional to determine how to strategize paying off debt while also planning for your future. You can also use free tools like the debt calculator found at LincolnFinancial.com to help you make a plan for paying off debt.

• True or False: “I’ve thought about moving money from an old employer’s 401(k) into my current employer’s 401(k), but it seems like it would be too much of a hassle.” This one is false! While it is important to consider all options of your 401(k) platform prior to making a decision, the process for a rollover is typically very easy and brings multiple benefits. Instead of tracking investment selections, performance or statements for multiple accounts, for example, you’ll only have to monitor a single account.

“While there are certainly still some misconceptions when it comes to saving for the future, the majority of those surveyed understand the importance of not delaying saving for later in their careers,” said Aaron Moore, senior vice president, Retirement Plan Client Engagement, Lincoln Financial Group. “This is cause for celebration, as delaying saving for retirement can have a significant impact on future savings. This is another reason why we are focused on working with employers to educate their employees so they can achieve the retirement they envision.”

Tips to keep your celebration going

If you’re looking for more ways to celebrate 4/01(k) Day – and help set yourself up for a financially secure future – here are three tips to keep in mind:

  1. Check your account. It might sound simple, but logging in regularly (try for at least once a quarter) can help ensure you’re on track with your savings goal. Be sure to use the calculators and projection tools your retirement plan offers.
  2. Update (or create) a goal. When you have a goal to work towards, research shows you’ll be more likely to increase your contributions, and therefore, increase your savings.
  3. Meet with a professional. If your employer offers retirement consultants, schedule a meeting, or consider speaking with a financial professional, who can help you understand the full picture of your savings and where to focus your efforts.

For more resources, tools and calculators, visit LincolnFinancial.com/retirement.

A comfortable financial future is something to celebrate. So this April 1, take stock of your retirement savings, starting with your 401(k).

Volunteer Safely at Home or in Person During Global Volunteer Month

By
Statepoint
-
0

April is Global Volunteer Month, a time to recognize the power of volunteers to tackle society’s greatest challenges.

Launched last year by Points of Light, the world’s largest nonprofit dedicated to accelerating people-powered change, Global Volunteer Month serves to activate volunteers and support the most vulnerable populations. And over the past year, volunteers have joined the ranks of frontline workers and first responders to fight against COVID-19, support the vaccination roll-out, address systemic racism and ensure equity and opportunity for all.

“We launched Global Volunteer Month last year during a time of great uncertainty that made it even more important for us to find ways to unite communities and connect people despite distance,” says Natalye Paquin, president and CEO of Points of Light.

A recent survey demonstrates that despite all the obstacles, 2020 marked one of the most civically-engaged years in history. Fifty-two percent of Americans surveyed volunteered for the first time during the pandemic. However, seven out of 10 respondents reported that while the effects of COVID-19 on their community made them more eager to volunteer, they’ve hesitated due to safety concerns.

To volunteer safely during Global Volunteer Month and beyond, consider these ideas and tips from Points of Light:

  1. Offer vaccination assistance. Scheduling vaccinations can be tricky, particularly for those who aren’t web-savvy or don’t speak English as a first language. Whether you work with individuals in your extended network or volunteer with organizations helping to centralize vaccination information, there are many ways to be involved from home. On-site opportunities to help people navigate their vaccination appointment also exist, and your assistance may be especially needed if you’re multilingual. Vaccination distribution centers follow all CDC social distancing guidelines to ensure the health and safety of volunteers.
  2. Give rides to medical appointments. Seniors without transportation often need rides to life-sustaining medical appointments. With the roll-out of the COVID-19 vaccine, this need has increased. Connect with a local organization near you that follows protocols to keep drivers and the elderly safe.
  3. Support food distribution. The concurrent medical and economic crises have made grocery shopping dangerous for some, and unaffordable for others. Drive-through food distribution centers and contactless drop-off services are essential social protection programs you can support. As more people get vaccinated, an increasing number of in-person volunteer opportunities will likely open up and be needed in food banks.
  4. Comfort the grieving. Those who are grieving often need critical emotional support. While some organizations are searching for licensed counselors to make comfort calls, others are looking for anyone with a big heart and a listening ear.
  5. Maintain public spaces. As warm weather arrives, communities are looking for volunteers to beautify and improve the local environment of public parks and spaces.
  6. Help students succeed. Even in normal years, many families need assistance with school supplies and homework help, and the pandemic has only exacerbated these issues. Help students succeed by providing virtual tutoring through a homework helpline or by contributing to or hosting a donation drive for school supplies.
  7. Support health initiatives. After facing long periods of isolation, there is a growing demand to help build strong communities by supporting local fitness and nutrition programs. Virtual and in-person opportunities abound for people of all professional backgrounds and skillsets, ranging from coaching youth runners to widening access to nutrition information in low-income neighborhoods.
  8. Show gratitude. Recognize and thank first responders, volunteers and frontline workers. Many say that handwritten letters are the most cherished items received in care packages. This is also a great way to get kids involved!
  9. Make connections. During the pandemic, homebound people have been more isolated than ever. Organizations are looking for volunteers to make regular phone calls to provide companionship and determine if individuals are in need of additional assistance.
  10. Just volunteer! Visit Points of Light at pointsoflight.org/volunteer to find a local affiliate in your area, search the world’s largest digital hub for volunteering and community engagement opportunities, as well as to find tips and best practices for safely volunteering from home or in communities. And be sure to inspire others to uplift their communities by sharing your experiences using #GlobalVolunteerMonth on social media.

AG Paxton Files Lawsuit Defending States Against Shocking Costs of Illegal Immigration

By
Joshua Blackwell
-
0

Attorney General Ken Paxton led a 14-state coalition before the United States Supreme Court in defense of the “public-charge” rule, a federal law prohibiting immigration by aliens who are likely to rely on taxpayer-funded government programs. Previously, an Illinois county and a left-wing non-profit sued the Trump Administration, challenging the public-charge rule, and the court blocked its enforcement. The United States Supreme Court agreed to hear a case regarding the rule, but President Biden refused to defend. Texas sought to defend the rule in the Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit and was denied. Subsequently, Texas filed this lawsuit with the Supreme Court.  

“Texas taxpayers are forced to pay hundreds of millions of dollars every year to sustain the services our state must provide to illegal aliens. Without the public-charge rule, our Medicaid budget and other vital services will explode and be spread too thin, costing taxpayers millions more and reducing the quality of service we can provide,” said Attorney General Paxton. “President Biden failed to work through the administrative rule-making process and left Texas, along with our neighboring states, vulnerable. This is a shameless attempt to unravel common-sense immigration policies favored by a strong majority of Texans, and it cannot stand.” 

Read a copy of the filing here.  

Governor Abbott Sends Letter To Vice President Kamala Harris Demanding Answers, Action On Humanitarian Border Crisis

By
Joshua Blackwell
-
0

Governor Greg Abbott today sent a letter to Vice President — and newly named Border Czar — Kamala Harris demanding answers and swift action from the Biden Administration to address the ongoing humanitarian crisis at the border. In the letter, the Governor also urges Vice President Harris to visit the border to see the crisis for herself. 

The Governor is urging the administration to interview every unaccompanied minor coming across the border to determine if any child has been harmed, groomed, or victimized by human traffickers in any way. Governor Abbott demanded that Vice President Harris and the Biden Administration make clear what they are doing to prosecute human traffickers and address the surge in border crossings.

“Now that President Biden has named you Border Czar in charge of the administration’s response, I want to express to you the threats and challenges caused by this administration’s open border policies,” said Governor Abbott. “These policies embolden and enrich cartels, smugglers, and human traffickers who continue to ramp up their criminal operations. Given your new role as the administration’s Border Czar, I urge you to visit the border to see the crisis for yourself, and I implore the Biden administration to take swift action to secure the border, crack down on human trafficking, and prevent more children from being trafficked and abused.”

In the letter to Vice President Harris, the Governor again laid out several questions for the Biden Administration that have continued to go unanswered: 

  • Who is assisting these children as they travel through Mexico and cross the U.S. border?
  • U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Mayorkas has acknowledged that many of these children have been abused or harmed during their journeys. What is the administration doing to eliminate that harm?
  • Were these children forced to carry contraband into the United States?
  • Were these children or their families assisted, coerced, and threatened by cartel members or human traffickers?
  • The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has vaguely suggested that these children are screened by appropriately trained personnel to identify potential victims of abuse, assault, and trafficking, but has provided no further information. What screening is being done?  When is that screening taking place and by whom? Are these children being provided a thorough medical screening that may separately identify abuse and assault?
  • How many victims of physical abuse, sexual assault, or trafficking has the administration identified?
  • Is the federal government using DNA tests to confirm familial relations? How else is the administration ensuring that these children are being released to safe, trustworthy adults?
  • What specific measures can the administration point to that confirm that these children are not released to human traffickers in the United States?
  • What action is your administration taking to prosecute those who traffic unaccompanied minors?

Read the Governor’s letter. 

On March 6th, Governor Abbott announced Operation Lone Star to send law enforcement personnel and resources to high threat areas along the border. On March 17th, he expanded the Operation to include anti-human trafficking efforts.

What Does 5G Tech Mean for You?

By
Statepoint
-
0

By now, you’ve heard about 5G or might have access to it on your smartphone, but do you know what it is, how it works or what it can do for you?

5G is the next generation of wireless technology, building on its predecessors 2G, 3G and 4G, and is available on today’s smartphones to make and receive calls, run applications and send and receive data.

This fifth-generation technology is a massive leap into what is possible in wireless. 5G is expected to deliver faster speeds and enhanced connectivity, giving businesses and consumers alike the potential to develop and experience new, innovative technologies.

Here are five things you may not know about 5G:

  1. 5G improves overall wireless coverage: 5G can deliver better, more efficient coverage in both breadth and depth. Depending on where it’s deployed by wireless operators, it can reach cities and towns that were previously lacking wireless access. Providers like T-Mobile are committed to providing 5G access to rural America, and already cover more than 287 million people across more than 1.6 million square miles.
  2. Different types of 5G can support where you live: Providers deploy different levels of wireless spectrum – low, mid and high – with the ability to provide coverage and capacity whether you live in the city, the suburbs or a rural community. For 5G, low-band spectrum provides far-reaching coverage outside, and reaches indoors with speeds that are slightly better than LTE; mid-band provides blanket coverage across large areas with fast speeds, making it the “goldilocks” of spectrum; and, high-band – typically available in select urban areas – provides super-fast speeds over short distances, but needs line of sight to the device and doesn’t pass through physical obstructions.
  3. 5G will create “smarter cities”: From monitoring pollution or traffic levels to optimizing energy use or self-driving transportation, 5G can enable applications that urban cities and small towns alike can use to live smarter.
  4. 5G unlocks technology developments for industry: With 5G connectivity, and new applications to support certain industries, businesses and industries can evolve to meet the needs of a connected world. Imagine farmers utilizing sensors and drones to enhance the agriculture community, or businesses using real-time language translation, or even enhanced location services to improve first responder times to save lives.
  5. Virtual and augmented reality or holographic scenarios: 5G gives us the ability to transform where and how we experience our lives. Imagine having virtual reality access to live concerts and sports games, using holographic telepresence to be a part of your family’s birthday party in another state, or having real-time driving data like traffic or road conditions displayed on your car’s windshield as you drive.

The possibilities with 5G are endless and will offer individuals and businesses the ability to do and experience the world around them in ways they couldn’t before.

From 5G-enabled smartphones to the latest connected devices, check with your wireless provider to see how you can get the most out of 5G technology where you live.

Delicious and Delightful Carrot Cake Twists for Easter

By
Statepoint
-
0

Carrot cake has been an Easter staple for years, so why not serve some fun takes on this popular dessert for your celebration?

With Easter landing on International Carrot Day, April 4, John Kanell, culinary expert and founder of Preppy Kitchen, partnered with McCormick spices to create exclusive Easter dessert recipes that put a delightful twist on the classic carrot cake.

“Growing up, desserts were always the highlight of Easter, with my mother and grandmother making wonderful carrot cakes from scratch,” says John Kanell.

Because carrot cake brings back great memories, Kanell wanted to channel that nostalgia, while adding whimsical touches. His resulting creations are fun, family-friendly and beyond-delicious.

As darling as they are tasty, Carrot Cake Cookies bring all the flavors of carrot cake in a fun, handheld way that allows the whole family to get involved in the kitchen. Big and little kids alike can help frost and decorate!

Make room at the dessert table for Carrot Cake Roll with Lemon Cream Cheese Filling – a fluffy spiced cake loaded with carrots and the warm flavor of McCormick spices. Rolled up with a light and airy lemon and cream cheese filling, it’s a sweet way to celebrate the season.

“As a nod to my Greek heritage, my family always incorporated lemon into our dessert recipes. Adding it to the cream cheese filling provides a bright complement to my slightly sweet and tender Carrot Cake Roll recipe,” says Kanell.

Kanell is also sharing his top baking tips for success.

• Feature carrots front-and-center in desserts. Beyond their beautiful orange color, they add moisture to baked goods.

• Too much flour makes for dense, gummy baked goods. Always measure your flour correctly by using a scale or fluffing the flour and sprinkling it into your measuring cup before leveling off.

• Don’t over-mix your batter. It will activate the gluten in the flour and cause your baked goods to go from tender and airy to tough and overly chewy. Mix your dry and wet ingredients until just combined.

• Use room temperature butter and cream cheese – left out of the refrigerator for about 30 to 60 minutes. They should show a slight indent when pressed, yet still hold shape. Remember that consistency is important when creaming butter with sugar and it should be visibly fluffy and not cling to the side of your mixing bowl.

• Stock your spice rack with McCormick pure vanilla extract, cinnamon, ginger, allspice and nutmeg so it is ready for all your baking needs. Spring is all about nature waking up after a long slumber and these essential spices brighten and add warmth to seasonal dishes.

• Even if your little ones are too young to make a recipe, they can still help measure, mix and combine ingredients, and of course decorate cakes, cupcakes and cookies.

For these exclusive Easter carrot cake-inspired recipes, crafting ideas for kids and kids-at-heart, and everything else you need to complete your Easter celebration, visit mccormick.com/easter.

With delicious takes on the classic carrot cake, your family can hit the sweet spot between nostalgia and whimsical fun this Easter.

Governor Abbott, TDEM Announce COVID-19 Rapid Testing Program For Texas Youth Summer Camps

By
Joshua Blackwell
-
0

Governor Greg Abbott and the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) today announced the creation of a COVID-19 Rapid Testing Program for Texas youth summer camps. This program will help summer camps that are licensed by the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) to conduct rapid tests of staff and campers during the summer months. Through this program, TDEM will provide participating summer camps with COVID-19 rapid antigen tests that will be administered to staff and campers who volunteer to participate. 

“As normalcy returns to Texas, we must remain vigilant against the spread of COVID-19 by identifying positive cases and mitigating any potential outbreaks throughout the state,” said Governor Abbott. “The COVID-19 Testing Program for Texas Youth Summer Camps will help camps safely operate throughout the summer by quickly identifying positive COVID-19 cases among campers and staff. I encourage qualifying summer camps to apply for this program so that we can continue to keep Texans safe from this virus.” 

Youth summer camps that are licensed by DSHS and wish to participate in the program can apply here.

Governor Abbott Appoints Kevin Ellis of Lufkin to Education Commission of the States

By
Joshua Blackwell
-
0

Governor Greg Abbott has appointed Keven Ellis, D.C. to the Education Commission of the States for a term at the pleasure of the Governor.

Keven Ellis, D.C. of Lufkin is the District 9 Representative on the State Board of Education (SBOE), and has served as Chairman of the SBOE since September 2019. He was elected to a four-year term of office in November 2016, and represents 31 Northeast Texas counties. Prior to being elected to SBOE, he served on the Lufkin ISD Board of Trustees and as board president in 2015-2016.  Additionally, he served as Vice-Chair of the Texas Commission on Public School Finance that led to the historic School Finance Bill in the 86th Legislative Session, HB3. Ellis is owner of Ellis Chiropractic in Lufkin. He is a member of the Texas Chiropractic Association and the American Chiropractic Association. Ellis attended Western Washington University and received a Doctor of Chiropractic degree from the Texas Chiropractic College.

Governor Abbott Appoints Three to Stephen F. Austin State University Board of Regents

By
Joshua Blackwell
-
0
Courtesy of Michael Barera.

Governor Greg Abbott has appointed Laura Rectenwald, Ph.D. and Nancy C. Windham and reappointed Robert Flores to the Stephen F. Austin State University Board of Regents for terms set to expire on January 31, 2027.

Laura Rectenwald, Ph.D. of Longview is CEO and Owner of Titanium Environmental Services. Additionally, she is a part time adjunct graduate faculty member at Stephen F. Austin State University. She is a member of the Longview Chamber of Commerce and Senior Warden for Trinity Episcopal Church in Marshall. Rectenwald received a Bachelor of Arts in Physics and Master of Science in Environmental Studies from Baylor University and Doctor of Philosophy in Forestry from Stephen F. Austin State University.

Nancy C. Windham of Nacogdoches is President and CEO of the Texas Forest Country Partnership. She previously served as interim Executive Director of the Lufkin Economic Development Corporation, President and CEO of Nacogdoches Economic Development Corporation, and Vice President of the Frisco Economic Development Corporation. She is an honorary life member of the Texas Economic Development Council and a member of the Texas Forest Country Partnership Board of Directors, International Economic Development Council and the Texas Rural Practitioners. Additionally, she is an appointee of the Podiatric Medical Examiners Advisory Board and former appointee of the Texas Economic Development Corporation Board of Directors. Windham attended Stephen F. Austin State University and is a graduate of the Economic Development Institute at the University of Oklahoma.

Robert Flores of Nacogdoches is the Chief Financial Officer for Elliott Electric Supply Inc. He is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accounts and the Texas Society of Certified Public Accountants. He is chairman of the Nacogdoches Economic Development Corporation, past chairman of the Nacogdoches Medical Center Governing Board, past board member of the Nacogdoches Rotary Club, and a board member and secretary/treasurer for The Micky Elliott Family Foundation. Flores received a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting from Stephen F. Austin State University.

These appointments are subject to Senate confirmation.

Fiscal Notes: Housing Affordability and Homelessness in Texas

By
Joshua Blackwell
-
0

The February winter storms underlined a persistent problem in Texas — thousands of our fellow citizens are living without permanent homes or even shelter.

Texas’ 10 largest metro areas have become unaffordable to households with median incomes, according to one study. Another indicates that about half of all Texas households are spending more than 30 percent of their incomes on housing costs and utilities alone.

In the recently released March edition of Fiscal Notes, the Comptroller’s office takes a look at Texas’ intertwined problems of housing affordability and homelessness.

“Many of our communities have made significant strides in tackling homelessness among specific groups, such as veterans and youths, but Texas still has several thousand chronically homeless individuals,” Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar said. “The challenge of getting them into safe living arrangements becomes ever greater as residential real estate continues to boom in Texas.”

In this issue, we also look at the phenomenon of “unbanked” Texans — those who lack basic banking and financial services because they cannot access them or are not inclined to do so. The number of such Texans has declined steadily in the last decade, but the thousands who remain unbanked can’t access a variety of services most take for granted, such as credit and debit cards, car loans and the ability to pay bills online.

Fiscal Notes furthers the Comptroller’s constitutional responsibility to monitor the state’s economy and estimate state government revenues. It has been published since 1975, featuring in-depth analysis concerning state finances and original research by subject-matter experts in the Comptroller’s office.

For questions about how our agency functions are continuing during the outbreak, visit our COVID-19 News page or our Virtual Field Office. Fiscal Notes is available online and can be received by subscribing via the Comptroller’s website.

1...327328329...759Page 328 of 759