WASHINGTON D.C.
Congressman Garamendi introduces bill to increase Social Security benefits
Today, Congressman John Garamendi (D-CA) introduced the “Fair COLA for Seniors Act of 2021” (H.R.4315). This bill would require Social Security to use the Consumer Price Index for the Elderly (CPI-E) to calculate a fairer cost of living adjustment (COLA) for seniors. The bill would increase benefits and ensure that cost of living adjustments in Social Security reflect the real rising costs for seniors and disabled Americans.
“Seniors and disabled citizens rely on Social Security benefits for a large portion of their income, and it’s about time for Social Security benefits to reflect their lifestyles,” said Garamendi. “Using a COLA that actually reflects how retirees spend their money – especially in health care – is a no-brainer that will increase benefits and make Social Security work better for the people it serves.”
The legislation has already earned broad support, with 23 original co-sponsorships and key support from leading advocacy groups and labor organizations.
“Social Security Works applauds Rep. Garamendi for championing Social Security and sponsoring the Fair COLA for Seniors Act of 2021,” said Nancy Altman, President of Social Security Works. “One of the most valuable features of Social Security is its inflation protection. By more accurately accounting for the costs faced by Social Security beneficiaries, this legislation better prevents the erosion over time of Social Security’s modest but vital earned benefits.”
The text of the “Fair COLA for Seniors Act” (H.R.4315) is available online at https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/4315?s=1&r=1
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LAKEPORT
Inmate escapes Lake County jail, recaptured a short time later by LCSO personnel.
According to law enforcement, at approximately 8 a.m. Thursday, an inmate at the Lake County Jail escaped by running away from his work assignment. The inmate was captured a short time later by Sheriff’s Office personnel. The inmate was identified as Gary Gard, 63, of Kelseyville. Gard was serving a sentence for misdemeanor possession of methamphetamine.
An investigation determined that at 7:51, Gard walked away from his work assignment in the jail kitchen. He was then seen on surveillance cameras running and throwing away his jail uniform. As Gard ran away from the jail, Sheriff’s Captain Norm Taylor was driving the same area of Hill Road. Taylor recognized the white jail uniform pants Gard was wearing. When Gard saw Taylor, he turned and ran up an embankment, which led to a freeway overpass for Highway 29. Taylor stopped and gave Gard verbal commands to stop. Gard surrendered without further incident.
Officials note that there has not been another escape from the Lake County Jail since 2013.
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LAKE COUNTY
LCSO introduces newest law enforcement canine, Rex.
The Lake County Sheriff’s Office would like to introduce our newest law enforcement canine, Rex. Rex is a 2-year-old Belgian Malinois and is assigned to deputy Joe Lyons. Deputy Lyons and Rex just completed a six week long, 240 hour Basic Handler Course at Adlerhorst International in Jurupa Valley, Ca. Together, they will be assigned to the Enforcement Division and provide a variety of services to the community. Some of these services include, but are not limited to; handler protection, tracking, searching, suspect apprehension, provide school and public demonstrations, etc.
The Lake County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Unit is funded through a variety of revenue sources including; asset forfeiture, fund raising events and gracious donations from citizens and stakeholders within the community. Anyone interested in donating to the Lake County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Program can do so by contacting the Lake County Deputy Sheriff’s Association K-9 Fund at: https://lakecountydsa.com/
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—Compiled by Ariel Carmona Jr.
