Category Archives: retirement

Santa Clarita Congressman George Whitesides Responds To Nancy Pelosi’s Retirement Plans

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**Nancy Pelosi Announces Retirement: Will Not Seek Re-election in 2026**

Rep. Nancy Pelosi, the first female Speaker of the House, announced on Thursday that she will not be seeking re-election in 2026. At 85 years old, Pelosi plans to serve out the remainder of her current term, which ends on January 3, 2027, after which she intends to retire.

“With a grateful heart, I look forward to my final year of service as your proud representative,” Pelosi said in a nearly six-minute video posted on X early Thursday morning, addressing her constituents.

Pelosi was first elected to Congress to represent San Francisco in 1987 at age 47. She made history as the first woman to serve as Speaker of the House, a position that placed her third in line after the President and Vice President. She led her party in the lower chamber of Congress from 2003 until 2023.

“Speaker Pelosi made history as the first female Speaker of the House and brought billions in federal funding home to California,” said Congressman George Whitesides, D-Agua Dulce. “She was instrumental in lowering health care costs for millions of Californians through the Affordable Care Act. I look forward to serving alongside her for the remainder of this term.”

Throughout her decades-long career, Pelosi became well-known for her advocacy on several key issues. She championed efforts to find a cure for HIV/AIDS, fought against climate change, and funded programs supporting early child development, including universal pre-kindergarten initiatives.

“Nancy Pelosi was not content to be just a master legislator in Congress,” said U.S. Senator Adam Schiff. “She was a global leader. Her voice carried far beyond the walls of Congress as she championed human rights, democracy, women’s equality, and a healthier planet in her travels around the world. She represented the United States on the world stage—trailblazing while balancing the demands of an unruly Congress. Like Ginger Rogers, she did it backwards and in heels.”

When asked about Pelosi’s upcoming retirement, former President Donald Trump commented Thursday that the senator was “an evil woman.” He added, “I’m glad she’s retiring. I think she did the country a great service by retiring. I think she was a tremendous liability for the country.”

The race for Pelosi’s seat is expected to be highly competitive. State Senator Scott Wiener, D-San Francisco, and Saikat Chakrabarti, former chief of staff to Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York, have already announced their candidacies.

The filing period for California’s congressional primary begins on February 9, 2026, and closes on March 6.

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https://www.hometownstation.com/santa-clarita-news/politics/santa-clarita-congressman-george-whitesides-responds-to-nancy-pelosis-retirement-plans-570513

EPFO eases claim rules, allows 100 pc partial withdrawal, check details here

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In a major reform aimed at enhancing the ease of living for over 70 million account holders, the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has approved liberalised partial withdrawal rules. According to PTI reports, these changes now allow up to 100 per cent withdrawal of the eligible provident fund balance.

During the recent meeting of the Central Board of Trustees (CBT), chaired by Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, a key decision was made to simplify the existing 13 complex withdrawal rules into just three clear categories: Essential Needs (such as illness, education, and marriage), Housing Needs, and Special Circumstances.

### Key Highlights of the New Withdrawal Rules

– **Full Withdrawal Allowed:** Members can now withdraw 100 per cent of both employee and employer contributions.
– **Increased Withdrawal Limits:** Education withdrawals can be made up to 10 times the earlier limit, and marriage withdrawals up to 5 times, up from a previously combined limit of 3.
– **Reduced Service Requirement:** The minimum service period to qualify for partial withdrawals has been reduced to 12 months.
– **Special Circumstances Simplified:** Under this category, members no longer need to specify reasons for withdrawal, significantly reducing claim rejections.
– **Minimum Balance Requirement:** A minimum balance of 25 per cent of the fund must be retained to ensure long-term retirement savings.
– **Documentation-free Process:** The EPFO aims for 100 per cent auto-settlement of claims with minimal paperwork.

### Revised Final Settlement Rules

The CBT also revised the final settlement rules to expedite withdrawals:

– The waiting period for full EPF withdrawal has been reduced to 12 months from the earlier 2 months.
– For final pension withdrawal, the waiting period has been extended to 36 months.

### Vishwas Scheme for Penalty Cases

To ease litigation related to delayed contributions, EPFO has introduced the ‘Vishwas Scheme’ for pending penalty cases under Section 14B. The scheme offers a flat 1 per cent monthly penalty, with lower rates for shorter defaults. It covers both pending and ongoing litigations and will remain operational for six months, with a possible extension of another six months.

### Doorstep Digital Life Certificate Services

In collaboration with India Post Payments Bank (IPPB), the board approved a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to provide doorstep Digital Life Certificate (DLC) services to EPS 1995 pensioners free of charge. This initiative aims to assist elderly pensioners, especially in rural areas, in continuing to receive their pensions smoothly.

### EPFO 3.0 Digital Revamp

As part of the EPFO 3.0 digital transformation, a new member-centric digital framework was approved. This framework integrates core banking solutions, cloud-native technology, and an API-first architecture to offer several benefits: faster and automated claims processing, payroll-linked contributions, and self-service options in multiple languages.

### New Fund Managers for EPFO Debt Portfolio

Four fund managers have been selected to manage EPFO’s debt investment portfolio for a five-year term. This move is geared towards ensuring safe and effective investment of retirement savings.

### Conclusion

Minister Mansukh Mandaviya also launched several digital initiatives designed to make EPFO more efficient and user-friendly. These reforms mark a significant step towards simplifying the provident fund experience and empowering members with greater control over their retirement savings.

*(With PTI inputs)*
https://www.mid-day.com/news/india-news/article/epfo-simplifies-13-complex-claim-rules-allows-100-per-cent-partial-withdrawal-check-complete-details-here-23598521

N32,000 minimum pension: FEPPPAN urges Tinubu to include excluded DBS pensioners

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**Showers Encomium on Tinubu Over Efforts on Retirees’ Welfare**

The Federal Parastatals and Private Sector Pensioners Association of Nigeria (FEPPPAN) has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to extend the recently approved N32,000 minimum pension to retirees of seven defunct parastatals who were omitted from the increase.

The association described such inclusion as a just and befitting Pensioners Day gift that would further demonstrate the President’s commitment to fairness, inclusiveness, and justice for all retirees.

In its 2025 Pensioners Day Celebration message, jointly signed by the President General, Elder Benjamin Amakko, and the General Secretary, Mr. Franklin Erinle, FEPPPAN appealed to President Tinubu to graciously direct the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission (NSIWC) to include pensioners from the seven defunct parastatals who were wrongly excluded from the N32,000 pension increase.

The affected entities, the statement noted, include the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN), NITEL/MTEL, Peoples Bank, Assurance Bank, NICON Insurance, Nigeria Insurance, and the Petroleum Institutes.

FEPPPAN expressed deep appreciation to President Tinubu for his administration’s continued commitment to improving the welfare of retirees, especially for ensuring regular and prompt payment of pensions across the country.

The association said the President’s compassion has brought renewed hope and dignity to many senior citizens who once suffered neglect, noting in particular his approval of palliatives for pensioners to ease the hardship caused by fuel subsidy removal.

“That gesture speaks volumes of a listening and humane leader,” the statement read.

However, FEPPPAN urged the Federal Government to release the three-month N25,000 palliative already approved by the President to cushion the effects of the subsidy removal on pensioners nationwide.

The Association also called on all tiers of government—federal, state, and local—to prioritize pensioners’ welfare by ensuring prompt payment of pensions and gratuities, and by providing affordable healthcare and housing tailored to the needs of senior citizens.

“These are not privileges; they are rights earned through decades of loyal service to our beloved country,” FEPPPAN declared.

Celebrating Nigeria’s senior citizens as heroes of service, the Association saluted the strength, dignity, and legacy of pensioners who gave their best years to the growth and stability of the nation.

“You are the pillars upon which our nation stands tall,” it said. “You gave your youth, your strength, your skills, and your best years in service to Nigeria. Today, we say with pride: You are our pride, our inspiration, and our moral compass.”

The message, titled *A Salute to Our Heroes: Celebrating the Strength, Dignity, and Legacy of Nigeria’s Senior Citizens*, described October 5 as a special day in the heart of every pensioner—one proclaimed in 2021 by former President Muhammadu Buhari as the National Pensioners and Senior Citizens Day, set aside to honour the invaluable contributions of the nation’s elders to peace and progress.

FEPPPAN urged every pensioner to wear this day as a badge of honour, adding that their labour and sacrifices are written not only in national policy but also in the living memory of the nation they helped to build.

The Association praised pensioners as beacons of integrity, discipline, and service, whose legacy continues to inspire younger generations.

“Your story teaches that dedication and integrity are never in vain,” it stated, stressing that the Nigeria of today stands firmly on the foundation of their sacrifices.

Reaffirming its dedication to protecting the rights and welfare of retirees, FEPPPAN pledged to continue engaging constructively with government to ensure that no pensioner is left behind.

Finally, the Association extended goodwill to all senior citizens, both in the public and private sectors, wishing them good health, long life, peace of mind, and the respect they truly deserve.
https://tribuneonlineng.com/n32000-minimum-pension-fepppan-urges-tinubu-to-include-excluded-dbs-pensioners/

Sylvia A. Lone, retired Sun Oil employee and Philadelphia Tribune staffer, dies at 79

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Sylvia A. Lone, a dedicated Sun Oil employee, property manager, and Philadelphia Tribune staffer, passed away on September 19 at the age of 79.

Lone was a familiar presence at weddings, funerals, reunions, birthdays, and community gatherings. She generously volunteered with nurseries and VITAS Healthcare and was a passionate advocate for autism awareness. Sylvia faithfully served as a Sunday School superintendent, supporting and guiding children in their spiritual growth.

Born on October 5, 1944, she was affectionately known to family and friends as Sylvia, Aunt Sylvia, Syl, and Mommo-San. A lifelong Philadelphian, she was educated in the city’s public schools and graduated from Germantown High School in 1962.

Her deep faith was a cornerstone of her life. From her beginnings at Tindley Temple—where she accepted Christ as her personal Savior and worshiped alongside her grandmother and father—to her service at Church of the Redeemer Baptist Church and worship alongside her daughter at Salt and Light Community Church, Sylvia found great joy and fulfillment in her church family.

She also attended St. Phillips Baptist Church with her Aunt Ruth, where she forged a lifelong friendship with Mary Ann Weeks.

Professionally, Sylvia worked at Sun Oil Co. until her retirement. She then pursued a second career in property management, holding positions at Lincoln Greene and Scottish Rite House. Most recently, she joined the staff of the Philadelphia Tribune, continuing her dedication to serving others. Before her passing, she returned to South Philadelphia to reconnect with residents at Scottish Rite House.

Her family shared, “She treasured the unwavering support and devotion of her daughter, Toni, especially through her illness, and delighted in the companionship of her beloved granddog, Maele. She never met a stranger; everyone she encountered soon called her friend.”

Sylvia was preceded in death by her parents, Eugene Seymore and Geneva Hook. She is survived by her daughter and a host of family members and friends.

Services will be held on Thursday, October 2, at Salt and Light Church, located at 5736 Chester Avenue. A viewing will begin at 10 a.m., followed by the service at 11 a.m.

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https://www.phillytrib.com/obituaries/sylvia-a-lone-retired-sun-oil-employee-and-philadelphia-tribune-staffer-dies-at-79/article_aad372dd-9d9e-4f3d-af20-7e9b9b93d1f1.html