Social Security Contribution Cap, Maryland Budget Shortfall, Ghana's 2025 Budget, and US Spending Bill

The Social Security contribution limit for 2025 is $176,100, the maximum earnings subject to Social Security tax. Some suggest raising this limit to bolster the system's solvency. Maryland faces a $3.3 billion budget shortfall, prompting debate over spending cuts versus tax increases. Senate Minority Leader Steve Hershey criticized the state's reliance on federal jobs. In Ghana, ahead of the 2025 Budget presentation, Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson consulted with market women and vendors to address concerns like inflation and taxation. The government has accepted the 2025 fiscal policy blueprint. In the US, House Republicans unveiled a spending bill to fund federal agencies through September 30, increasing defense spending while cutting non-defense programs. This strategy risks a government shutdown due to Democratic opposition. The bill excludes earmarks and doesn't cover Social Security or Medicare.