By Alan Pyke, Think Progress By the time Donald Trump is sworn in as president, tens of thousands of Americans will already have stopped paying into Social Security for the entire year. Those lucky few earn at least $2.1 million a year — a level roughly 100,000 tax filers reached in 2014, according to the IRS. They owe their yearlong retirement tax holiday to a rule capping the amount of annual income that is subject to payroll taxes. With wealth inequality’s explosion over the last four decades, a huge portion of the money generated by workers’ sweat is now escaping the retirement system. A higher cap — or eliminating the cap entirely — would make Social Security fiscally secure until nearly the end of this century and ensure that the system can provide the same modest, vital support to retirees’ dignity that it does today. Republicans would rather destroy the program entirely. A new GOP plan would throw

The Republican majorities in Congress and President-elect Donald Trump are planning a number of changes to programs that directly affect Wake Forest residents. You may want the Affordable Care Act to be repealed, or to get a voucher rather than payments for Medicare or to have your Social Security reduced. If not, you need to make your voice heard to try to head off enactment of these and other changes to essential programs. Senator Richard Burr 217 Russell Senate Office Building Washington, D.C. 20510 202-224-3154 www.burr.senate.gov Senator Thom Tillis 185 Dirksen Senate Office Building Washington, D.C. 20510 202-224-6342 www.tillis.senate.gov Representative George Holding 507 Cannon House Office Building Washington, D.C. 20515 202-225-3032 www.holding.house.gov Public opinion and public outcry do make a difference when our senators and representatives consider legislation. Be polite and concise. It is usually best to address only one issue in a letter, email or telephone call.

The Wake Forest Police Department is asking for the public’s help locating the person or persons responsible for the recent rash of car and house eggings in our community. Over the past several days the police department has received reports of cars and homes being egged along Cornwell Drive, Kaplan Woods Way, Creek Moss Avenue, Gross Avenue, White Carriage Drive, Marshal Farm Street, and Burge Court. Police warn residents that egging is a childish crime with adult consequences. Although it may seem like a harmless prank, egging could constitute a violation of state law, depending on the circumstances, which could result in the arrest of the offender. The Wake Forest Police Department relies on the town’s citizens to be the eyes and ears of the department. Anyone witnessing or experiencing suspicious activity is urged to call the police department at 919-554-6150. You may remain anonymous.

Wake Forest High School’s DECA chapter is proud to announce that it has initiated a grassroots campaign, “Stand Against the Stigma” (SAS). The goal of the campaign is to generate a more supportive and understanding community by redefining mental illness, educating the population of the school and surrounding area, and dispelling negative and false beliefs about mental illness and its treatment.   To accomplish this goal, founders, Caroline Roach and Jake Petrillo, have hosted a variety of events to engage the school and community in their cause. Events include performances by guest speakers, information booths at football games, and an Anti-Stigma week. Furthermore, the campaign has created a SAS club to make a lasting impression now and for years to come.   Guest speakers from Music Over Mind, an organization dedicated to healing mental illness through the power of music, came to Wake Forest High School on Thursday, Dec 8th 

Forest Moon Theater will present “Agnes of God” at the Wake Forest Renaissance Centre for the Arts Feb. 10-12 and 18-19. Friday and Saturday show times are 7:30 p.m.; Sunday show times are 3 p.m. When a newborn child is found dead in a convent, a court psychiatrist must determine whether the nun accused of the crime is mentally fit to stand trial, with the question of the father’s identity hanging in the balance. Advance tickets are $15 plus tax for adults and $13 plus tax for students and seniors. These prices reflect a savings of $3 per adult and student/senior “day of” admission tickets. The Renaissance Centre is located at 405 S. Brooks St. in the heart of downtown Wake Forest. For more information, visit www.wakeforestrencen.org or call the Renaissance Centre Box Office at 919-435-9458.