Andre Francisco
@andre-francisco.bsky.social
Content and comms for #civictech organizations. Director of Comms at Civilla. Formerly Ad Hoc, 18F, POGO.
Reposted by Andre Francisco
You've heard of the Friday night news dump. Here's the Friday night of Thanksgiving wknd dump. For special circumstances, like when the faculty assembly votes 595-4 against paying to end a shakedown and you do it anyway. Link to agreement here: bulkmail.northwestern.edu/trk/click?re...
BREAKING: Northwestern University has agreed to pay the U.S. Treasury $75 million, over the course of three years as part of an agreement with the federal government to restore funding and end investigations into the university
Full statement from NU below:
Full statement from NU below:
November 29, 2025 at 12:34 AM
You've heard of the Friday night news dump. Here's the Friday night of Thanksgiving wknd dump. For special circumstances, like when the faculty assembly votes 595-4 against paying to end a shakedown and you do it anyway. Link to agreement here: bulkmail.northwestern.edu/trk/click?re...
Reposted by Andre Francisco
From the MN Society for Professional Journalists: St. Paul police shot three photojournalists (MPR, Reuters, Sahan Journal) with "less lethal" munitions during an ICE operation yesterday. One had to go to the hospital. They say they were specifically targeted by St. Paul police.
November 26, 2025 at 5:47 PM
From the MN Society for Professional Journalists: St. Paul police shot three photojournalists (MPR, Reuters, Sahan Journal) with "less lethal" munitions during an ICE operation yesterday. One had to go to the hospital. They say they were specifically targeted by St. Paul police.
Reposted by Andre Francisco
If you missed our #FormFest25 session, @civilladetroit.bsky.social shared how we designed a digital Application Tracker in Michigan that gives residents real-time updates on their benefits & rebuilds trust in public services.
youtu.be/uAiBJ14ycfY?...
youtu.be/uAiBJ14ycfY?...
Track Your Form: Building the First Digital Tracker
YouTube video by Code for America
youtu.be
November 19, 2025 at 11:21 AM
If you missed our #FormFest25 session, @civilladetroit.bsky.social shared how we designed a digital Application Tracker in Michigan that gives residents real-time updates on their benefits & rebuilds trust in public services.
youtu.be/uAiBJ14ycfY?...
youtu.be/uAiBJ14ycfY?...
Reposted by Andre Francisco
We asked our mayors, City Council, Park Board, and, yes, the Minneapolis Board of Estimation and Taxation about their fav beers:
Doin’ Beers: Municipally Endorsed Beers to Drink in November - Racket
Doin’ Hard-hitting Journalism Beers.
racketmn.com
November 19, 2025 at 1:00 AM
We asked our mayors, City Council, Park Board, and, yes, the Minneapolis Board of Estimation and Taxation about their fav beers:
Reposted by Andre Francisco
A federal tax credit meant to drive down the cost of health insurance premiums for people buying their own coverage is about to expire. For some Minnesotans, the change is coming with a dramatic price tag.
With federal subsidy set to expire, some Minnesotans face eye-popping health premium increases
A federal tax credit meant to drive down the cost of health insurance premiums for people buying their own coverage is about to expire. For some Minnesotans, the change is coming with a dramatic price...
www.mprnews.org
November 7, 2025 at 10:39 PM
A federal tax credit meant to drive down the cost of health insurance premiums for people buying their own coverage is about to expire. For some Minnesotans, the change is coming with a dramatic price tag.
Reposted by Andre Francisco
The most important lesson for Democrats from Mamdani's victory is this: abandon the decades-old practice of triangulating to win the center. Instead, grow the base with a positive, joyful vision for what government can do when it gives up on being shackled to a Republican base.
November 5, 2025 at 2:54 AM
The most important lesson for Democrats from Mamdani's victory is this: abandon the decades-old practice of triangulating to win the center. Instead, grow the base with a positive, joyful vision for what government can do when it gives up on being shackled to a Republican base.
Reposted by Andre Francisco
Food is a basic human need. How we respond in this moment will define whether we care for our neighbors—or allow millions to go hungry. A group of civic tech nonprofits issued a statement on recent SNAP disruptions. @civilladetroit.bsky.social
Read here: beeckcenter.georgetown.edu/statement-on...
Read here: beeckcenter.georgetown.edu/statement-on...
November 4, 2025 at 12:38 PM
Food is a basic human need. How we respond in this moment will define whether we care for our neighbors—or allow millions to go hungry. A group of civic tech nonprofits issued a statement on recent SNAP disruptions. @civilladetroit.bsky.social
Read here: beeckcenter.georgetown.edu/statement-on...
Read here: beeckcenter.georgetown.edu/statement-on...
Reminds me of Ta-Nehisi Coates' excellent "The Message."
"And I thought how it all works not simply to misinform but to miseducate; not just to assure the right answers are memorized but that the wrong questions are never asked."
"And I thought how it all works not simply to misinform but to miseducate; not just to assure the right answers are memorized but that the wrong questions are never asked."
Speaking at the Univ of Mississippi in Oxford, Vice President JD Vance claimed that when settlers arrived in the New World, they “found widespread child sacrifice,” adding that “Christian civilization ended the practice.”
JD Vance talks Israel, abortion, AI and immigration at Ole Miss Turning Point rally
Thousands packed Ole Miss’ pavilion as Vice President JD Vance took unscripted questions on faith, policy and Trump-era politics.
www.clarionledger.com
October 31, 2025 at 4:18 PM
Reminds me of Ta-Nehisi Coates' excellent "The Message."
"And I thought how it all works not simply to misinform but to miseducate; not just to assure the right answers are memorized but that the wrong questions are never asked."
"And I thought how it all works not simply to misinform but to miseducate; not just to assure the right answers are memorized but that the wrong questions are never asked."
Reposted by Andre Francisco
Today we release a new report to help states prepare for the new Medicaid work requirements in H.R. 1!
We believe states have an opportunity to implement these policies with greater clarity, efficiency, and humanity.
Check it out:
We believe states have an opportunity to implement these policies with greater clarity, efficiency, and humanity.
Check it out:
civilla.org
October 21, 2025 at 4:59 PM
Today we release a new report to help states prepare for the new Medicaid work requirements in H.R. 1!
We believe states have an opportunity to implement these policies with greater clarity, efficiency, and humanity.
Check it out:
We believe states have an opportunity to implement these policies with greater clarity, efficiency, and humanity.
Check it out:
Same here.
It’s the annual “let’s circle every item in the toy catalog sent to every household in America” night in my household.
October 8, 2025 at 11:43 PM
Same here.
Reposted by Andre Francisco
Shout out to all the federal employees who still have to show up for work despite not getting paid. You deserve better than this.
October 1, 2025 at 2:58 PM
Shout out to all the federal employees who still have to show up for work despite not getting paid. You deserve better than this.
Reposted by Andre Francisco
"no more superficial individual expression"
September 30, 2025 at 10:52 PM
"no more superficial individual expression"
Reposted by Andre Francisco
Yesterday @civilladetroit.bsky.social had a beautiful brunch and then a PARTAY to celebrate with old and new team members, friends, family, and supporters. What a privilege it is to be on such important work with people who care and believe so deeply in what is possible. #ChangeMakers
September 26, 2025 at 12:24 PM
Yesterday @civilladetroit.bsky.social had a beautiful brunch and then a PARTAY to celebrate with old and new team members, friends, family, and supporters. What a privilege it is to be on such important work with people who care and believe so deeply in what is possible. #ChangeMakers
Reposted by Andre Francisco
Our team is presenting at #Formfest2025 on Sept. 30! Make sure to register and join our session - "Track Your Form: Building the First Digital Benefits Tracker."
formfest.org
formfest.org
FormFest 2025
Mark your calendar for the ultimate deep dive into government’s favorite tool: forms!
formfest.org
September 23, 2025 at 8:53 PM
Our team is presenting at #Formfest2025 on Sept. 30! Make sure to register and join our session - "Track Your Form: Building the First Digital Benefits Tracker."
formfest.org
formfest.org
Reposted by Andre Francisco
Expanded work requirements for SNAP will have an immense impact on staff and families in need. States can start preparing now. Our new SNAP service blueprint outlines how this policy impacts the process of applying for, determining, and maintaining eligibility.
codeforamerica.org/news/bluepri...
codeforamerica.org/news/bluepri...
September 11, 2025 at 7:25 PM
Expanded work requirements for SNAP will have an immense impact on staff and families in need. States can start preparing now. Our new SNAP service blueprint outlines how this policy impacts the process of applying for, determining, and maintaining eligibility.
codeforamerica.org/news/bluepri...
codeforamerica.org/news/bluepri...
Reposted by Andre Francisco
The thing that upsets me most about the design changes from defense.gov to war.gov is that the Veterans Crisis Line has been removed from the footer of the site. Every design choice is a values statement.
(Screenshot from DoD website is from September 4, courtesy of @archive.org)
(Screenshot from DoD website is from September 4, courtesy of @archive.org)
September 7, 2025 at 1:32 AM
The thing that upsets me most about the design changes from defense.gov to war.gov is that the Veterans Crisis Line has been removed from the footer of the site. Every design choice is a values statement.
(Screenshot from DoD website is from September 4, courtesy of @archive.org)
(Screenshot from DoD website is from September 4, courtesy of @archive.org)
Reposted by Andre Francisco
Last month’s White House executive order called for public services that are both functional and beautiful.
We believe beauty is more than aesthetics—it’s about trust, dignity, and ease. Designed with care, services can rebuild trust in our institutions.
Read more: civilla.org/stories/desi...
We believe beauty is more than aesthetics—it’s about trust, dignity, and ease. Designed with care, services can rebuild trust in our institutions.
Read more: civilla.org/stories/desi...
Designing for Beauty in Public Services
Integrating thoughtful design into government
civilla.org
September 4, 2025 at 7:09 PM
Last month’s White House executive order called for public services that are both functional and beautiful.
We believe beauty is more than aesthetics—it’s about trust, dignity, and ease. Designed with care, services can rebuild trust in our institutions.
Read more: civilla.org/stories/desi...
We believe beauty is more than aesthetics—it’s about trust, dignity, and ease. Designed with care, services can rebuild trust in our institutions.
Read more: civilla.org/stories/desi...
I’m also not a designer, but I can say with confidence that this could have used a good copy editor.
I’m not one of the dozens of 18F and UsDS designers they fired but….this seems like a wall of text?
americabydesign.gov
americabydesign.gov
America by Design
A National Design Studio Initiative
americabydesign.gov
August 24, 2025 at 10:18 PM
I’m also not a designer, but I can say with confidence that this could have used a good copy editor.
Reposted by Andre Francisco
What I noticed with Trump's new push to improve the government's design:
1. It includes a hiring spree, after the WH laid off many designers from the govt's tech hubs
2. The push has some similarities to DOGE, including that it can take on volunteers
shorturl.at/WyB9E
1. It includes a hiring spree, after the WH laid off many designers from the govt's tech hubs
2. The push has some similarities to DOGE, including that it can take on volunteers
shorturl.at/WyB9E
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.
shorturl.at
August 21, 2025 at 9:08 PM
What I noticed with Trump's new push to improve the government's design:
1. It includes a hiring spree, after the WH laid off many designers from the govt's tech hubs
2. The push has some similarities to DOGE, including that it can take on volunteers
shorturl.at/WyB9E
1. It includes a hiring spree, after the WH laid off many designers from the govt's tech hubs
2. The push has some similarities to DOGE, including that it can take on volunteers
shorturl.at/WyB9E
Reposted by Andre Francisco
Yes. I also felt this way about the assassinations in Minnesota. In fact, I continue to feel this way about the assassinations in Minnesota.
Feel like one political party kidnapping an opponent should be bigger news
NEW:
“I’ve had enough…I’m refusing to back down.”
Texas state Rep. Nicole Collier speaks to MSNBC from the Texas State Capitol. She is stuck there after the Texas GOP required police surveillance as condition for release. She is refusing to sign a waiver for the law enforcement escort.
“I’ve had enough…I’m refusing to back down.”
Texas state Rep. Nicole Collier speaks to MSNBC from the Texas State Capitol. She is stuck there after the Texas GOP required police surveillance as condition for release. She is refusing to sign a waiver for the law enforcement escort.
August 19, 2025 at 12:52 PM
Yes. I also felt this way about the assassinations in Minnesota. In fact, I continue to feel this way about the assassinations in Minnesota.
Reposted by Andre Francisco
If the federal government can simply seize privately held patents then that is the end of the U.S. patent system, the legal basis for American innovation.
The Commerce Department threatening to take over Harvard's patents shows the extent to which the federal government is trying to pressure the university into a settlement. They are trying everything possible. (gift link)
Trump Administration Threatens to Take Over Harvard’s Patents
The move is the latest escalation in the White House’s battle with the Ivy League school.
www.wsj.com
August 8, 2025 at 11:57 PM
If the federal government can simply seize privately held patents then that is the end of the U.S. patent system, the legal basis for American innovation.
Reposted by Andre Francisco
🚨Help us get to the SXSW stage! 🚨
Our proposed panel will explore what it will take to build a more integrated, modernized system that actually works for the people it’s meant to serve.
Cast your vote and help bring this conversation to Austin!
Our proposed panel will explore what it will take to build a more integrated, modernized system that actually works for the people it’s meant to serve.
Cast your vote and help bring this conversation to Austin!
At @civilladetroit.bsky.social
we’re teaming up with an all-star crew of civic leaders to bring an essential question to @sxsw.com 2026:
Is it time for a “Common App” for Public Benefits?
Cast your vote and help bring this conversation to Austin! Vote today!
participate.sxsw.com/flow/sxsw/sx...
we’re teaming up with an all-star crew of civic leaders to bring an essential question to @sxsw.com 2026:
Is it time for a “Common App” for Public Benefits?
Cast your vote and help bring this conversation to Austin! Vote today!
participate.sxsw.com/flow/sxsw/sx...
PanelPicker | SXSW Conference & Festivals
PanelPicker® is the official SXSW user-generated session proposal platform. Enter ideas and vote to help shape Conference programming for SXSW and SXSW EDU.
participate.sxsw.com
August 8, 2025 at 5:01 PM
🚨Help us get to the SXSW stage! 🚨
Our proposed panel will explore what it will take to build a more integrated, modernized system that actually works for the people it’s meant to serve.
Cast your vote and help bring this conversation to Austin!
Our proposed panel will explore what it will take to build a more integrated, modernized system that actually works for the people it’s meant to serve.
Cast your vote and help bring this conversation to Austin!
Reposted by Andre Francisco
From "Newsrooms Need to Get Tougher on All That Lying" by Richard Tofel. dicktofel.substack.com/p/newsrooms-...
July 31, 2025 at 5:23 PM
From "Newsrooms Need to Get Tougher on All That Lying" by Richard Tofel. dicktofel.substack.com/p/newsrooms-...