Kate F
@k8080.bsky.social
Service Design and Civic Tech /// Former 18F, Lab at OPM, IRS Direct File
Whether something like Direct File (or something like it) returns someday depends on many factors. What gives me hope is the Direct File team’s commitment to open source. They laid a strong foundation for centering taxpayer needs by making some of the code public -> github.com/IRS-Public
Internal Revenue Service
Internal Revenue Service has 2 repositories available. Follow their code on GitHub.
github.com
November 7, 2025 at 4:11 PM
Whether something like Direct File (or something like it) returns someday depends on many factors. What gives me hope is the Direct File team’s commitment to open source. They laid a strong foundation for centering taxpayer needs by making some of the code public -> github.com/IRS-Public
Reposted by Kate F
The administration has pulled the plug on IRS Direct File, a tool that helped eligible taxpayers file for free. This decision comes despite Direct File’s immense popularity with its users.
Direct File won’t happen in 2026, IRS tells states
The free service that allowed taxpayers to file online directly with the IRS was used by hundreds of thousands of taxpayers in 2024 and 2025, who gave it high marks — although tax prep companies and R...
www.nextgov.com
November 6, 2025 at 6:04 PM
The administration has pulled the plug on IRS Direct File, a tool that helped eligible taxpayers file for free. This decision comes despite Direct File’s immense popularity with its users.
Reposted by Kate F
What are the effects of the shutdown on SNAP users? Propel provides an app to SNAP users to allow them to track their spending and so can offer real-time estimates of needs.
About 70% of SNAP households have a $10 or less balance on their SNAP card accounts.
www.propel.app/shutdown-fun...
About 70% of SNAP households have a $10 or less balance on their SNAP card accounts.
www.propel.app/shutdown-fun...
November 6, 2025 at 9:18 PM
What are the effects of the shutdown on SNAP users? Propel provides an app to SNAP users to allow them to track their spending and so can offer real-time estimates of needs.
About 70% of SNAP households have a $10 or less balance on their SNAP card accounts.
www.propel.app/shutdown-fun...
About 70% of SNAP households have a $10 or less balance on their SNAP card accounts.
www.propel.app/shutdown-fun...
Reposted by Kate F
"normies do not care about this thing and so it is no use raising a stink" is imho just an excuse for not doing politics, which is the job of making normies care about something
October 24, 2025 at 2:47 AM
"normies do not care about this thing and so it is no use raising a stink" is imho just an excuse for not doing politics, which is the job of making normies care about something
Reposted by Kate F
Cuomo's "plan" for the city to take over the MTA is basically plagiarized from the currently-funded capital plan and involves Andrew Cuomo taking credit for a bunch of projects he had nothing to do with in the first place. Here's @samanthaliebman.bsky.social with the story:
ny1.com/nyc/all-boro...
ny1.com/nyc/all-boro...
Cuomo's subway proposal similar to current MTA capital plan
Cuomo’s plan calls for an independent team that reports to the mayor.
ny1.com
October 22, 2025 at 6:19 PM
Cuomo's "plan" for the city to take over the MTA is basically plagiarized from the currently-funded capital plan and involves Andrew Cuomo taking credit for a bunch of projects he had nothing to do with in the first place. Here's @samanthaliebman.bsky.social with the story:
ny1.com/nyc/all-boro...
ny1.com/nyc/all-boro...
Before times ... images from the East Wing, honoring the First Ladies and women who shaped history. 2023 tour.
October 22, 2025 at 5:26 PM
Before times ... images from the East Wing, honoring the First Ladies and women who shaped history. 2023 tour.
Reposted by Kate F
WELL HOW ABOUT THAT
"A millionaire levy in Massachusetts has generated $3 billion more in revenue than expected without forcing significant high-profile departures from the state."
www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
"A millionaire levy in Massachusetts has generated $3 billion more in revenue than expected without forcing significant high-profile departures from the state."
www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
Millionaire Tax That Inspired Mamdani Fuels $5.7 Billion Haul in Massachusetts
A millionaire levy in Massachusetts that New York City mayoral frontrunner Zohran Mamdani holds up as a model for taxing the rich has generated $3 billion more in revenue than expected without forcing...
www.bloomberg.com
October 21, 2025 at 3:22 PM
WELL HOW ABOUT THAT
"A millionaire levy in Massachusetts has generated $3 billion more in revenue than expected without forcing significant high-profile departures from the state."
www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
"A millionaire levy in Massachusetts has generated $3 billion more in revenue than expected without forcing significant high-profile departures from the state."
www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
Reposted by Kate F
When you are geolocating at the protest based on inflatable animals
October 18, 2025 at 7:50 PM
When you are geolocating at the protest based on inflatable animals
Reposted by Kate F
Even without jobs data, Google Search Results for "Unemployment Benefits" being at a post-Covid high is probably —and I hate to use such labor econ/technical jargon here, but it's probably— "not good."
#EconSky
#EconSky
October 10, 2025 at 9:21 PM
Even without jobs data, Google Search Results for "Unemployment Benefits" being at a post-Covid high is probably —and I hate to use such labor econ/technical jargon here, but it's probably— "not good."
#EconSky
#EconSky
Reposted by Kate F
🦊
IN WHICH ONE AUTHOR tried to file a claim in the Anthropic copyright case, failed, got frustrated, then blogged about it while still pretty hot under the collar.
(it’s me; i’m author)
ethanmarcotte.com/wrote/a-righ...
IN WHICH ONE AUTHOR tried to file a claim in the Anthropic copyright case, failed, got frustrated, then blogged about it while still pretty hot under the collar.
(it’s me; i’m author)
ethanmarcotte.com/wrote/a-righ...
A right to copy. — ethanmarcotte.com
This is one author’s short, failed journey to file a claim in Anthropic’s copyright lawsuit. (Oops. Spoilers, sorry.)
ethanmarcotte.com
October 7, 2025 at 8:32 PM
🦊
IN WHICH ONE AUTHOR tried to file a claim in the Anthropic copyright case, failed, got frustrated, then blogged about it while still pretty hot under the collar.
(it’s me; i’m author)
ethanmarcotte.com/wrote/a-righ...
IN WHICH ONE AUTHOR tried to file a claim in the Anthropic copyright case, failed, got frustrated, then blogged about it while still pretty hot under the collar.
(it’s me; i’m author)
ethanmarcotte.com/wrote/a-righ...
Reposted by Kate F
🗣️ We're hosting an archival version of "plainlanguage.gov" to help make sure this trusted resource remains available to folks who need it.
plainlanguage.gov | Home
Plain language makes it easier for the public to read, understand, and use government communications.
plainlanguage.18f.org
October 7, 2025 at 8:06 PM
🗣️ We're hosting an archival version of "plainlanguage.gov" to help make sure this trusted resource remains available to folks who need it.
Reposted by Kate F
More Than Half of ACA Marketplace Enrollees Live in Republican Congressional Districts | KFF Quick Takes www.kff.org/quick-take/m...
More Than Half of ACA Marketplace Enrollees Live in Republican Congressional Districts
Since the enhanced premium tax credits became available in 2021, ACA Marketplace enrollment has increased significantly in some red states, and 57% of enrollees now live in Republican congressional di...
www.kff.org
October 7, 2025 at 7:21 PM
More Than Half of ACA Marketplace Enrollees Live in Republican Congressional Districts | KFF Quick Takes www.kff.org/quick-take/m...
Reposted by Kate F
This is the main issue I have with so much of the coverage around e-bikes. It's not that there aren't legitimate issues. But there is a panic around e-bikes and crickets regarding the daily toll of cars. And that's because the harm of cars is just accepted. It's baked into our society.
The deference we give to drivers is astonishing: speeding, blowing through red lights, crashing without a whisper; yet we jump on non-drivers the moment they step out of line.
October 6, 2025 at 6:36 PM
This is the main issue I have with so much of the coverage around e-bikes. It's not that there aren't legitimate issues. But there is a panic around e-bikes and crickets regarding the daily toll of cars. And that's because the harm of cars is just accepted. It's baked into our society.
Reposted by Kate F
We are thrilled to announce that our NEW Large Language Model will be released on 11.18.25.
October 1, 2025 at 2:38 PM
We are thrilled to announce that our NEW Large Language Model will be released on 11.18.25.
Reposted by Kate F
Do you ever think about the fact that Wikipedia is the last good major website on the internet? You aren't bombarded with ads. It doesn't try to push video on you, and it doesn't redirect you to a scam site.
October 2, 2025 at 12:33 AM
Do you ever think about the fact that Wikipedia is the last good major website on the internet? You aren't bombarded with ads. It doesn't try to push video on you, and it doesn't redirect you to a scam site.
Reposted by Kate F
BREAKING: The number of jobs created in August has been revised from 54,000 down to -3,000.
October 1, 2025 at 2:08 PM
BREAKING: The number of jobs created in August has been revised from 54,000 down to -3,000.
Reposted by Kate F
@Erie.bsky.social accepting the EFF Award: “Speaking up is hard and it's scary. But it will only get harder and scarier from here. The best time to do it was yesterday. The second-best time is today. These are not choices we will always have.”
September 11, 2025 at 3:20 AM
@Erie.bsky.social accepting the EFF Award: “Speaking up is hard and it's scary. But it will only get harder and scarier from here. The best time to do it was yesterday. The second-best time is today. These are not choices we will always have.”
Reposted by Kate F
BREAKING: Social Security Administration chief data officer and whistle-blower Charles Borges has resigned after bombshell report that SSA put highly-sensitive data at risk. He sent out an email to colleagues moments ago.
Here is the text of his email shared with me:
Here is the text of his email shared with me:
August 29, 2025 at 7:26 PM
BREAKING: Social Security Administration chief data officer and whistle-blower Charles Borges has resigned after bombshell report that SSA put highly-sensitive data at risk. He sent out an email to colleagues moments ago.
Here is the text of his email shared with me:
Here is the text of his email shared with me:
Reposted by Kate F
🦊
I wrote about the administration’s “national design studio,” and how its shoddy construction isn’t a mistake. It’s a clear signal of priorities, and ones we need to actively, urgently rebuke. ethanmarcotte.com/wrote/a-noti...
I wrote about the administration’s “national design studio,” and how its shoddy construction isn’t a mistake. It’s a clear signal of priorities, and ones we need to actively, urgently rebuke. ethanmarcotte.com/wrote/a-noti...
A notional design studio. — ethanmarcotte.com
A design language, if you can keep it.
ethanmarcotte.com
August 27, 2025 at 4:32 PM
🦊
I wrote about the administration’s “national design studio,” and how its shoddy construction isn’t a mistake. It’s a clear signal of priorities, and ones we need to actively, urgently rebuke. ethanmarcotte.com/wrote/a-noti...
I wrote about the administration’s “national design studio,” and how its shoddy construction isn’t a mistake. It’s a clear signal of priorities, and ones we need to actively, urgently rebuke. ethanmarcotte.com/wrote/a-noti...
Great summary by Rachael Dietkus. America by Design, Harm by Default. www.linkedin.com/pulse/americ...
America by Design, Harm by Default
TL;DR: There are a lot of hot takes and poignant analyses since the announcement of the Executive Order for America by Design last week. The quiet rollout of the AmericaByDesign.
www.linkedin.com
August 27, 2025 at 6:18 PM
Great summary by Rachael Dietkus. America by Design, Harm by Default. www.linkedin.com/pulse/americ...
Reposted by Kate F
Our democracy is not a brand. Our country is not a retail store. At 18F, our inspiration was (and is) the American people.
August 26, 2025 at 2:13 AM
Our democracy is not a brand. Our country is not a retail store. At 18F, our inspiration was (and is) the American people.
Reposted by Kate F
The entire Social Security database, dumped on a random cloud server: www.nytimes.com/2025/08/26/u...
DOGE Put Critical Social Security Data at Risk, Whistle-Blower Says
www.nytimes.com
August 26, 2025 at 2:37 PM
The entire Social Security database, dumped on a random cloud server: www.nytimes.com/2025/08/26/u...
Reposted by Kate F
This WaPo piece about the Airbnb/DOGE guy who is now the head of design in government ignores that:
*DOGE fired the actual talented design people in government, including Social Security!
*IRS had a beautifully designed tax filing system that DOGE killed
*USDS already did online passport renewals
*DOGE fired the actual talented design people in government, including Social Security!
*IRS had a beautifully designed tax filing system that DOGE killed
*USDS already did online passport renewals
August 26, 2025 at 12:56 PM
This WaPo piece about the Airbnb/DOGE guy who is now the head of design in government ignores that:
*DOGE fired the actual talented design people in government, including Social Security!
*IRS had a beautifully designed tax filing system that DOGE killed
*USDS already did online passport renewals
*DOGE fired the actual talented design people in government, including Social Security!
*IRS had a beautifully designed tax filing system that DOGE killed
*USDS already did online passport renewals
Reposted by Kate F
been at the eric adams scavenger hunt all day. mostly we were in a crawlspace under a house in howard beach learning “how to out-hustle the rats.” not sure what this does for the campaign
August 24, 2025 at 10:19 PM
been at the eric adams scavenger hunt all day. mostly we were in a crawlspace under a house in howard beach learning “how to out-hustle the rats.” not sure what this does for the campaign
Reposted by Kate F
Trump fired all of the designers in 18F, the US Digital Service, and elsewhere in government.
Now he is calling for improved government design.
www.nextgov.com/digital-gove...
Now he is calling for improved government design.
www.nextgov.com/digital-gove...
Trump signs order calling for improved government design
The new “America by Design” effort includes a recruiting push for relevant talent — though the administration has shed many government designers since Trump took office.
www.nextgov.com
August 21, 2025 at 9:23 PM
Trump fired all of the designers in 18F, the US Digital Service, and elsewhere in government.
Now he is calling for improved government design.
www.nextgov.com/digital-gove...
Now he is calling for improved government design.
www.nextgov.com/digital-gove...