Q. When did Supplemental Security Income payments under Social Security become available, and under which president did they start?
-- Ernie Carlson, Covington
A. Supplemental Security Income, a program that provides stipends to low-income people who are either 65 or older, blind or disabled, began under President Richard Nixon, according to socialsecurity.gov. Congress approved the program on Oct. 17, 1972, but it didn't go into effect until Jan. 1, 1974, according to Mountain State University's Nixon Era Center website.
Q. A recent article stated that the Secret Service purchased a bus (actually two buses at $2.2 million). The article states that the buses will be used by other office holders and candidates. Was this a purchase using taxpayers’ money?
-- W. Stephens, Atlanta
A. The Secret Service bought two buses, using tax dollars, to transport President Barack Obama and his staff, other officeholders, and Republican presidential candidates on campaign trips leading up to the 2012 election. Despite the $2,191,960 cost for the two jet black buses, which are customized with armor and classified technology, the Secret Service said the buses are cheaper than leasing two buses over a 10-year span, the Christian Science Monitor reported. Secret Service spokesman Ed Donovan told the Associated Press the money was taken from a fund for transportation and armored vehicles.
Lori Johnston wrote this column. Do you have a question about the news? We’ll try to get the answer. Call 404-222-2002 or email q&a@ajc.com (include name, phone and city).
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