Opinion

Leaders from the Texas House and Senate have agreed on an $8 billion school funding package, which is being called the largest in state history, The Dallas Morning News reported. The latest version of House Bill 2 was unveiled at a Senate hearing Thursday.

When I introduced this weekly column more than 22 years ago, my stated goal was to provide amusement--even if corny and outdated--largely for readers dealing with bodily wrinkles, waistlines, aches, breaks, bends and assorted other groans associated with later life. Sometimes I’ve tried to make lemonade when negative topics tempted.

Dear Rusty: I am a new AMAC member and have an important question for you, and your answer will be greatly appreciated. My question is: Is the new DOGE effort going to help us, or hurt us, all those living on Social Security and receiving Medicare benefits? Please let us know soon. Regards: Worried Senior Dear Worried Senior: Here at the AMAC Foundation, we offer free access to everyone, the public as well as AMAC members, for our acclaimed Social Security Advisory Service, at which we answer all inquiries from anyone with questions about Social Security and enrollment in Medicare. As you can imagine, we very closely watch all action in Washington, D.C. which will affect Social Security and Medicare, especially any Congressional legislation being considered.

Dear Rusty: Does everyone need to sign up for Medicare part A, even if you are ex-military? Or only on Medicaid, regardless of whether you are eligible for Social Security or not? Also is there a cost for just part A?

Gov. Greg Abbott last week signed a $1 billion private school voucher bill into law in front of a large crowd at the Governor’s Mansion, the San Antonio Express- News and other media outlets reported.

When one nitpicks, there’s no end to it. We’re all frequently guilty, and I admit to being among chief sinners, particularly since the term’s initial usage began in 1956, the same year I finished Early High School. Sudden thought: Maybe I’m the guy who first justified the term.

Social Security M Dear Rusty: I am writing to ask for your advice on when I should sign up or enroll in a Medicare Plan. I have submitted an early retirement application to request benefits to begin 30 days after my 62nd birthday, in April 2025.

A Texas House bill would eliminate the State of Texas Assessment of Academic Readiness test and replace it with a test comparing students’ performance to one another rather than stateset standards, the Austin American- Statesman reported. House Bill 4 would also create benchmark tests to measure students’ academic performance throughout the year.

It’s got to be a borderline miracle when Eastland--a town with fewer than 5,000 people--can lay claim to not one, but TWO “facts” worthy of the Guinness Book of Records recognition. “Facts” has quotation marks for a reason.

Dear Rusty: I am thoroughly confused. What do I need to do to continue receiving automatic Social Security deposits to my bank account, and maintain our Medicare and Supplement health insurance? My wife has received her SS deposit regularly on the 3rd Wednesday each month with automatic bank deposit for many years. I have received my SS deposit regularly the 4th Wednesday each month with automatic bank deposit also for many years. Can you please tell me what to do to continue receiving these automatic deposits?