Jeremy Barofsky
@jbarofsky.bsky.social
Associate Research Professor, Better Government Lab, Georgetown University, Interested in the economics of health and poverty; formerly @ideas42 @Brookings and @USCPrice Schaeffer Center, alum of @HarvardChanSPH & @BU
Reposted by Jeremy Barofsky
This is terrifying.
"[AI agents] can... infer a researcher's latent hypotheses and produce data that artificially confirms them."
...
"We can no longer trust that survey responses are coming from real people" -@seanjwestwood.bsky.social
"[AI agents] can... infer a researcher's latent hypotheses and produce data that artificially confirms them."
...
"We can no longer trust that survey responses are coming from real people" -@seanjwestwood.bsky.social
November 18, 2025 at 9:03 PM
This is terrifying.
"[AI agents] can... infer a researcher's latent hypotheses and produce data that artificially confirms them."
...
"We can no longer trust that survey responses are coming from real people" -@seanjwestwood.bsky.social
"[AI agents] can... infer a researcher's latent hypotheses and produce data that artificially confirms them."
...
"We can no longer trust that survey responses are coming from real people" -@seanjwestwood.bsky.social
Reposted by Jeremy Barofsky
Reposted by Jeremy Barofsky
I’m reminded of the actor Craig T. Nelson who memorably said: "I've been on food stamps and welfare. Anybody help me out? No."
IOW, public benefits *he* received weren’t “help” provided by taxpayers, unlike the benefits those lazy welfare recipients get.
IOW, public benefits *he* received weren’t “help” provided by taxpayers, unlike the benefits those lazy welfare recipients get.
November 17, 2025 at 3:26 PM
I’m reminded of the actor Craig T. Nelson who memorably said: "I've been on food stamps and welfare. Anybody help me out? No."
IOW, public benefits *he* received weren’t “help” provided by taxpayers, unlike the benefits those lazy welfare recipients get.
IOW, public benefits *he* received weren’t “help” provided by taxpayers, unlike the benefits those lazy welfare recipients get.
Reposted by Jeremy Barofsky
Did you know?
About 4.5 million SNAP recipients are babies and toddlers under age 5.
About 11.1 million SNAP recipients are kids aged 5 to 17 years, who need food for healthy growth, learning, & development.
The federal government has the capacity to continue funding SNAP during a shutdown.
About 4.5 million SNAP recipients are babies and toddlers under age 5.
About 11.1 million SNAP recipients are kids aged 5 to 17 years, who need food for healthy growth, learning, & development.
The federal government has the capacity to continue funding SNAP during a shutdown.
October 27, 2025 at 6:20 PM
Did you know?
About 4.5 million SNAP recipients are babies and toddlers under age 5.
About 11.1 million SNAP recipients are kids aged 5 to 17 years, who need food for healthy growth, learning, & development.
The federal government has the capacity to continue funding SNAP during a shutdown.
About 4.5 million SNAP recipients are babies and toddlers under age 5.
About 11.1 million SNAP recipients are kids aged 5 to 17 years, who need food for healthy growth, learning, & development.
The federal government has the capacity to continue funding SNAP during a shutdown.
Reposted by Jeremy Barofsky
New in @thelancet.com: a follow-up to our @nature.com paper on cash transfers and mortality in low- and middle-income countries.
This studies explores *why* cash transfers reduce death, tracing effects on determinants of survival.
free access 🔗: kwnsfk27.r.eu-west-1.awstrack.me/L0/https:%2F...
This studies explores *why* cash transfers reduce death, tracing effects on determinants of survival.
free access 🔗: kwnsfk27.r.eu-west-1.awstrack.me/L0/https:%2F...
November 11, 2025 at 5:00 AM
New in @thelancet.com: a follow-up to our @nature.com paper on cash transfers and mortality in low- and middle-income countries.
This studies explores *why* cash transfers reduce death, tracing effects on determinants of survival.
free access 🔗: kwnsfk27.r.eu-west-1.awstrack.me/L0/https:%2F...
This studies explores *why* cash transfers reduce death, tracing effects on determinants of survival.
free access 🔗: kwnsfk27.r.eu-west-1.awstrack.me/L0/https:%2F...
Reposted by Jeremy Barofsky
Nice summary of our paper and related work by @tomdee.bsky.social and @kslungaardmumma.bsky.social here.
www.chalkbeat.org/2025/11/10/i...
www.chalkbeat.org/2025/11/10/i...
November 10, 2025 at 2:19 PM
Nice summary of our paper and related work by @tomdee.bsky.social and @kslungaardmumma.bsky.social here.
www.chalkbeat.org/2025/11/10/i...
www.chalkbeat.org/2025/11/10/i...
🚨 New research 🚨 "Interventions To Automate Medicaid Renewals Reduce Procedural Denials And Increase Coverage," published in Health Affairs from authors @pamherd.bsky.social @giannella.bsky.social, me, @lukef.bsky.social and @donmoyn.bsky.social
Full paper: www.healthaffairs.org/doi/full/10....
Full paper: www.healthaffairs.org/doi/full/10....
Interventions To Automate Medicaid Renewals Reduce Procedural Denials And Increase Coverage | Health Affairs Journal
Burdensome Medicaid renewal processes are a known source of coverage loss among eligible people. In spring 2023, the pause in Medicaid disenrollment resulting from the COVID-19 public health emergency...
www.healthaffairs.org
November 10, 2025 at 7:37 PM
🚨 New research 🚨 "Interventions To Automate Medicaid Renewals Reduce Procedural Denials And Increase Coverage," published in Health Affairs from authors @pamherd.bsky.social @giannella.bsky.social, me, @lukef.bsky.social and @donmoyn.bsky.social
Full paper: www.healthaffairs.org/doi/full/10....
Full paper: www.healthaffairs.org/doi/full/10....
Reposted by Jeremy Barofsky
Today on Can We Still Govern, I got to share new research on how my team at USDS drove around the country in a van to protect Medicaid coverage for millions of Americans after the pandemic - and share some lessons learned for the coming crisis.
donmoynihan.substack.com/p/how-a-van-...
donmoynihan.substack.com/p/how-a-van-...
Lessons from Pandemic Era Medicaid Automation for Work Requirements
Small tech capacity investments offer big returns
donmoynihan.substack.com
November 10, 2025 at 7:06 PM
Today on Can We Still Govern, I got to share new research on how my team at USDS drove around the country in a van to protect Medicaid coverage for millions of Americans after the pandemic - and share some lessons learned for the coming crisis.
donmoynihan.substack.com/p/how-a-van-...
donmoynihan.substack.com/p/how-a-van-...
Reposted by Jeremy Barofsky
The admin is quietly rewriting the tax code—giving billions in breaks to major private equity, crypto, insurance, and energy firms by hollowing out the 15% corporate minimum tax.
More tax cuts for the rich is the last thing working families need.
@jessedrucker.bsky.social https://nyti.ms/3WOwXST
More tax cuts for the rich is the last thing working families need.
@jessedrucker.bsky.social https://nyti.ms/3WOwXST
How the Trump Administration Is Giving Even More Tax Breaks to the Wealthy
The Treasury Department and Internal Revenue Service are issuing rules that provide hundreds of billions of dollars in tax relief to big companies and the ultrarich.
nytimes.com
November 10, 2025 at 6:35 PM
The admin is quietly rewriting the tax code—giving billions in breaks to major private equity, crypto, insurance, and energy firms by hollowing out the 15% corporate minimum tax.
More tax cuts for the rich is the last thing working families need.
@jessedrucker.bsky.social https://nyti.ms/3WOwXST
More tax cuts for the rich is the last thing working families need.
@jessedrucker.bsky.social https://nyti.ms/3WOwXST
Reposted by Jeremy Barofsky
The Propel data are the best way to see what is going on with SNAP benefit delivery on a national level.
www.propel.app/shutdown-fun...
On November 3, New Mexico delivered SNAP benefits.
www.propel.app/shutdown-fun...
On November 3, New Mexico delivered SNAP benefits.
November 8, 2025 at 8:47 PM
The Propel data are the best way to see what is going on with SNAP benefit delivery on a national level.
www.propel.app/shutdown-fun...
On November 3, New Mexico delivered SNAP benefits.
www.propel.app/shutdown-fun...
On November 3, New Mexico delivered SNAP benefits.
Reposted by Jeremy Barofsky
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...
Not the main issue, but is a Chamillionaire wealthier than a trillionaire?
www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
Tesla Shareholders Approve $1 Trillion Pay Package for Musk
Elon Musk responded in kind to Tesla Inc. investors approving his $1 trillion compensation package, making a series of extravagant predictions about what the company will be capable of in the years to...
www.bloomberg.com
November 7, 2025 at 6:03 PM
Not the main issue, but is a Chamillionaire wealthier than a trillionaire?
www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
Reposted by Jeremy Barofsky
“My friends, the world is changing. It's not a question of whether that change will come. It's a question of who will change it.” @zohrankmamdani.bsky.social
People are choosing real alternatives instead of continuity. Mamdani stands for an antifascist economics in the name of the many. 🧵
People are choosing real alternatives instead of continuity. Mamdani stands for an antifascist economics in the name of the many. 🧵
November 6, 2025 at 2:23 PM
“My friends, the world is changing. It's not a question of whether that change will come. It's a question of who will change it.” @zohrankmamdani.bsky.social
People are choosing real alternatives instead of continuity. Mamdani stands for an antifascist economics in the name of the many. 🧵
People are choosing real alternatives instead of continuity. Mamdani stands for an antifascist economics in the name of the many. 🧵
Reposted by Jeremy Barofsky
New study finds more generous state safety net policies w/ fewer administrative barriers are linked to better birth outcomes, esp for marginalized groups. Very relevant finding in current policy environment!
doi.org/10.1016/j.so... @gabeschwartz.bsky.social @npwf.bsky.social @donmoyn.bsky.social
doi.org/10.1016/j.so... @gabeschwartz.bsky.social @npwf.bsky.social @donmoyn.bsky.social
November 5, 2025 at 8:57 PM
New study finds more generous state safety net policies w/ fewer administrative barriers are linked to better birth outcomes, esp for marginalized groups. Very relevant finding in current policy environment!
doi.org/10.1016/j.so... @gabeschwartz.bsky.social @npwf.bsky.social @donmoyn.bsky.social
doi.org/10.1016/j.so... @gabeschwartz.bsky.social @npwf.bsky.social @donmoyn.bsky.social
Reposted by Jeremy Barofsky
And now Trump has destroyed USDS and imposed extra paperwork through work requirements on Medicaid recipients
Cool new study from @pamherd.bsky.social, @giannella.bsky.social, @jbarofsky.bsky.social, @lukef.bsky.social, & @donmoyn.bsky.social finds technical assistance & capacity improvements from USDS significantly improved Medicaid renewal outcomes during unwinding
www.healthaffairs.org/doi/10.1377/...
www.healthaffairs.org/doi/10.1377/...
November 4, 2025 at 5:18 PM
And now Trump has destroyed USDS and imposed extra paperwork through work requirements on Medicaid recipients
Reposted by Jeremy Barofsky
The 1975 Voting Rights Act extension lowered mortality for most nonwhite groups but raised it for white adults and older nonwhite men, patterns consistent with status threat, from Atheendar Venkataramani, Rourke O'Brien, Elizabeth F. Bair, and Christopher A. Lowenstein www.nber.org/papers/w34421
November 4, 2025 at 8:30 PM
The 1975 Voting Rights Act extension lowered mortality for most nonwhite groups but raised it for white adults and older nonwhite men, patterns consistent with status threat, from Atheendar Venkataramani, Rourke O'Brien, Elizabeth F. Bair, and Christopher A. Lowenstein www.nber.org/papers/w34421
Reposted by Jeremy Barofsky
How concerned are people about rising health insurance premiums? With premium tax credit enhancements about to expire and ACA marketplace open enrollment underway, search volumes for terms like “health premium increase” are (almost) off the charts.
November 4, 2025 at 2:25 PM
How concerned are people about rising health insurance premiums? With premium tax credit enhancements about to expire and ACA marketplace open enrollment underway, search volumes for terms like “health premium increase” are (almost) off the charts.
Reposted by Jeremy Barofsky
Cool new study from @pamherd.bsky.social, @giannella.bsky.social, @jbarofsky.bsky.social, @lukef.bsky.social, & @donmoyn.bsky.social finds technical assistance & capacity improvements from USDS significantly improved Medicaid renewal outcomes during unwinding
www.healthaffairs.org/doi/10.1377/...
www.healthaffairs.org/doi/10.1377/...
November 4, 2025 at 1:48 PM
Cool new study from @pamherd.bsky.social, @giannella.bsky.social, @jbarofsky.bsky.social, @lukef.bsky.social, & @donmoyn.bsky.social finds technical assistance & capacity improvements from USDS significantly improved Medicaid renewal outcomes during unwinding
www.healthaffairs.org/doi/10.1377/...
www.healthaffairs.org/doi/10.1377/...
Reposted by Jeremy Barofsky
Don't talk about it much on here, but I co-direct a research lab, and here is an update of what we are up to.
cc @sebjilke.bsky.social @pamherd.bsky.social @giannella.bsky.social @jbarofsky.bsky.social @jaeyeonkim.bsky.social
bettergovernmentlab.org/so/c6PeDbgsR...
cc @sebjilke.bsky.social @pamherd.bsky.social @giannella.bsky.social @jbarofsky.bsky.social @jaeyeonkim.bsky.social
bettergovernmentlab.org/so/c6PeDbgsR...
October Newsletter
The Better Government Lab (BGL) monthly newsletter keeps you up-to-date with the latest research, conversations, and news from the world of civic tech, state capacity, and public policy. Comments or q...
bettergovernmentlab.org
October 31, 2025 at 7:48 PM
Don't talk about it much on here, but I co-direct a research lab, and here is an update of what we are up to.
cc @sebjilke.bsky.social @pamherd.bsky.social @giannella.bsky.social @jbarofsky.bsky.social @jaeyeonkim.bsky.social
bettergovernmentlab.org/so/c6PeDbgsR...
cc @sebjilke.bsky.social @pamherd.bsky.social @giannella.bsky.social @jbarofsky.bsky.social @jaeyeonkim.bsky.social
bettergovernmentlab.org/so/c6PeDbgsR...
Reposted by Jeremy Barofsky
Trump is holding 42 million SNAP recipients hostage right now prospect.org/2025/10/29/t...
Trump Is Illegally Withholding Food From Needy Families - The American Prospect
The White House claims it cannot fund food stamp benefits for November. But not only is there a contingency fund meant to be used in this exact fashion, but it’s illegal for the Trump administration t...
prospect.org
October 29, 2025 at 7:45 PM
Trump is holding 42 million SNAP recipients hostage right now prospect.org/2025/10/29/t...
Reposted by Jeremy Barofsky
Herbert Simon on the internet and attention, 1996
October 28, 2025 at 9:08 AM
Herbert Simon on the internet and attention, 1996
Reposted by Jeremy Barofsky
I've talked before about power struggles within hardening authoritarianism. Usually, regime supporters fight over using rule-of-law in crackdowns (with massive abuses, of course) vs. completely embracing extrajudicial methods. Here, we see the latter dominating. Which is very bad news going forward.
🚨BIG changes happening -- ICE leadership is being purged tonight. The old guard, which prioritized targeted enforcement operations aimed at people with criminal records, is being replaced with Border Patrol and Gregory Bovino's "Midway Blitz" style.
Think things are bad now? It'll get worse.
Think things are bad now? It'll get worse.
October 28, 2025 at 12:51 AM
I've talked before about power struggles within hardening authoritarianism. Usually, regime supporters fight over using rule-of-law in crackdowns (with massive abuses, of course) vs. completely embracing extrajudicial methods. Here, we see the latter dominating. Which is very bad news going forward.
Reposted by Jeremy Barofsky
“We’ve heard from parents who haven’t been able to pay [their] bills. We often hear from parents who skip meals so their kids can eat during the summertime.”
capitalandmain.com/how-can-they...
capitalandmain.com/how-can-they...
‘How Can They Not Feed the Kids?’
Indiana and Tennessee opted out of Summer EBT, which gives families grocery support when schools close for summer.
capitalandmain.com
October 27, 2025 at 6:45 PM
“We’ve heard from parents who haven’t been able to pay [their] bills. We often hear from parents who skip meals so their kids can eat during the summertime.”
capitalandmain.com/how-can-they...
capitalandmain.com/how-can-they...
Reposted by Jeremy Barofsky
I am not a lawyer. David Super is *the* lawyer. If he says the Trump Administration is illegally withholding SNAP benefits, they are. So...they are.
"A more clearly unlawful impoundment is difficult to imagine."
"A more clearly unlawful impoundment is difficult to imagine."
My latest on the Administration's wildly unlawful shutdown of SNAP. To buy their argument, you must ignore the interpretation they took Sept. 30 and repeatedly in the first Trump Administration. Shamelesly and gratuitously cruel.
Balkinization share.google/yaVtx89DJsIR...
Balkinization share.google/yaVtx89DJsIR...
Balkinization
Balkinization
<br>an unanticipated consequence of
<br>Jack M. Balkin
<br>
<br>
share.google
October 25, 2025 at 5:11 PM
I am not a lawyer. David Super is *the* lawyer. If he says the Trump Administration is illegally withholding SNAP benefits, they are. So...they are.
"A more clearly unlawful impoundment is difficult to imagine."
"A more clearly unlawful impoundment is difficult to imagine."
Reposted by Jeremy Barofsky
Refreshing to start to see systematic efforts like these. A lot of great ideas, particularly about capacity and iterating in a responsive manner (though I disagree with the outsource /delegate to AI stuff).
Here’s a good start from the American Federation of Scientists. It’s essentially a good governance starter pack to counter Project 2025.
Blue Sky Thinking to Reimagine Government Effectiveness
Using visioning, world-building, scenario planning, and other foresight tools, participants set aside today’s constraints to design blue-sky models of a future American government.
fas.org
October 23, 2025 at 3:21 AM
Refreshing to start to see systematic efforts like these. A lot of great ideas, particularly about capacity and iterating in a responsive manner (though I disagree with the outsource /delegate to AI stuff).