U.S. Treasury to Launch Prepaid Cards for Unbanked Social Security, SSI Benefit Recipients

The U.S. Department of the Treasury's Financial Management Service (FMS) has designated Comerica Bank as its financial agent in a new initiative to give millions of unbanked Americans the option of using a prepaid debit card for receiving Social Security and other federal benefit payments. The "Direct Express®" card provides a safer and more convenient alternative to paper checks. Comerica Bank was selected, in part, because of its experience as a prepaid card issuer for millions of benefit recipients, particularly for state government programs.

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Seven Ways to Get a Jump Start on Your Taxes

Seven Ways to Get a Jump Start on Your Taxes: "Earlier is better when it comes to working on your taxes. Taxpayers are encouraged to get a head start on tax preparation, especially since early filers avoid the last minute rush and get their refunds sooner."

Responding To Current California Rainstorms, Insurance Commissioner Poizner Urges Residents To Be Smart About Safety And Insurance

Responding To Current California Rainstorms, Insurance Commissioner Poizner Urges Residents To Be Smart About Safety And Insurance: "SACRAMENTO -- As heavy rain and snow continue to blanket California, Insurance Commissioner Steve Poizner advised all Californians to be wary of weather-related dangers and urged homeowners to conduct a home inventory as soon as possible to ensure that their homes and possessions are properly covered. "

Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) – How It Affects Filing Season 2008

The upcoming tax season is expected to start on time for everyone except for certain taxpayers potentially affected by late enactment of the Alternative Minimum Tax "patch." Following extensive work in recent weeks, the IRS expects to be able to begin processing returns for the vast majority of taxpayers in mid-January. However, as many as 13.5 million taxpayers using five forms related to the Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) legislation will have to wait to file tax returns until the IRS completes the reprogramming of its systems for the new law.

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Lockheed Martin to Pay $2.5 Million To Settle Racial Harassment Lawsuit

HONOLULU -- The U.S Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) today announced a major settlement of a race discrimination and retaliation lawsuit against Lockheed Martin, the world’s largest military contractor, for $2,500,000 and other relief on behalf of an African American electrician who was subjected to a racially hostile work environment at several job sites nationwide – including threats of lynching and the “N-word.” Lockheed Martin to Pay $2.5 Million To Settle Racial Harassment Lawsuit

Columbia State Historic Park New Docent Training Course - Park Volunteers Needed

Docents are trained volunteers who assist in the educational and interpretive programs at Columbia State Historic Park by conducting school programs, staffing the museum, and participating in Special Events such as Diggins and Lamplight.     

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St. Patricks Day 2008: Irish Facts & Statistics

Originally a religious holiday to honor St. Patrick, who introduced Christianity to Ireland in the fifth century, St. Patrick’s Day has evolved into a celebration for all things Irish. The world’s first St. Patrick’s Day parade occurred on March 17, 1762, in New York City, featuring Irish soldiers serving in the English military. President Truman attended the parade in 1948, a proud moment for the many Irish whose ancestors had to fight stereotypes and prejudice to find acceptance in America. Congress proclaimed March as Irish-American Heritage Month in 1995, and the president issues a proclamation each year.

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Iron Absorption: Common Plant Compound Improves Iron Absorption

Swine research funded in part by the Agricultural Research Service ( ARS ) indicates that inulin-a complex carbohydrate found in many plants worldwide - may help people absorb more iron from fruits, vegetables and grains. This finding by ARS plant physiologist Ross Welch and his colleagues could provide key support in the worldwide fight against iron deficiency.

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OSHA Announces New OTI Education Centers

The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) today announced 8 new OSHA Training Institute (OTI) Education Centers and two renewals. Current OTI Education Centers offer training courses on OSHA standards and occupational safety and health issues. The additional OTI Education Centers, made up of non-profit organizations, will further increase OSHA’s reach throughout the country to provide safety and health training.


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New DVDs to Help Educate Older Drivers and Their Families

It's very difficult to tell someone - anyone - that their driving isn't what it used to be. These videos will offer advice on how to approach the subject - especially with a parent - and offer tips to those drivers whose abilities may have been better in the past.

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FTC: Start the New Year Right by Saying "We Don't Serve Teens"

A new year is arriving, and with it a familiar problem - New Year’s Eve is often an occasion for teens to obtain access to alcohol, typically through family members or parents of friends. Teens who drink risk their safety and health, and the adults who provide the alcohol also risk heavy fines and possibly jail time.

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Top Ten 2007 Coast Guard Rescue Videos Released

The U. S. Coast Guard released a video compilation of its most dramatic rescues of 2007.  These harrowing rescues confirm the critical lifesaving role performed by the Coast Guard in service to our nation.  Since 1790, the Coast Guard has saved more than one million lives, and it continues to execute this mission with unwavering dedication in often extreme conditions and locations.


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OSHA Cites Construction Contractors Combined $324,000 following Asbestos Exposure

The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has cited Balfour Beatty Construction LLC, a general construction contractor based in the U.K., and C.F. Jordan LP, a general and utility construction contractor based in El Paso, Texas, with 12 safety violations for asbestos exposure at a military housing construction site at the federal White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico.


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Redesigned $5 Bill to Enter Circulation March 13 Vending Machines Prepare to Accept New $5 Bill

The newly designed $5 bill  will enter circulation on March 13, 2008, the Federal Reserve Board and U.S. Treasury announced today. This alerts businesses that manufacture and use vending and self-checkout machines that they have 90 days to adapt their machines to accept the new bill.

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Study Shows Vitamin A Suppresses Type 1 Diabetes in Animal Study

Pumpkin pie, sweet potatoes and many other holiday favorites are rich in vitamin A, a nutrient essential for good health. Now a study by Agricultural Research Service ( ARS ) nutrition scientists has shown, for the first time, that high levels of vitamin A can suppress development of type 1 diabetes in laboratory mice prone to that disease.

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California Settles Annuity Sales Scam

Attorney General Edmund G. Brown Jr. and Insurance Commission Steve Poizner today announced a $7.2 million settlement with American Investors Life Insurance Company, Family First Insurance Services, and Family First Advanced Estate Planning, resolving allegations that the companies sold thousands of annuities with exorbitant fees to vulnerable senior citizens

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Gap Outlet Recalls Boys' Jackets; Drawstring at Waist Poses Entrapment Hazard

The jackets are hooded, zip in front, and have a drawstring at the waist. They were sold in navy and gray in multiple children’s sizes. "Gap Outlet" is printed on a label at the neck. Style number 513573 is printed on a white label sewn behind the size and product care label near the neckline.

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Digital TV Questions and Answers

Some consumers are asking why they need to switch. First, all-digital broadcasting will give needed communications channels to police, fire and emergency rescue personnel. It will also allow for new wireless services for consumers. In addition, since digital is more efficient than analog, it allows stations to broadcast several programs at the same time, instead of just one program with analog.

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