peter certo
@petercerto.bsky.social
editor, rust belt returnee. comms director at @ips_dc. this acct is personal + i'm mostly here to lurk.
Reposted by peter certo
NEW: While the Trump administration adds even more barriers to SNAP, Colorado's new universal free school lunch program is showing the benefits of addressing hunger with no eligibility requirements at all.
@ruwithsonali.bsky.social:
@ruwithsonali.bsky.social:
If People Are Going Hungry, Why Can’t We Feed Them? - OtherWords
As Congress slashes SNAP, more states need to step up to fill in the gap.
otherwords.org
December 6, 2025 at 1:01 PM
NEW: While the Trump administration adds even more barriers to SNAP, Colorado's new universal free school lunch program is showing the benefits of addressing hunger with no eligibility requirements at all.
@ruwithsonali.bsky.social:
@ruwithsonali.bsky.social:
Reposted by peter certo
Immigrants account for nearly a third of long-term care workers in this country. Under Trump's mass deportation campaign, half of all U.S. nursing homes have stopped taking new residents.
Mass Deportations Aren’t Helping Workers. They’re Tanking The Economy. - OtherWords
Trump claimed immigrants were “taking your jobs.” But during his brutal crackdown, the job market has only gotten worse.
otherwords.org
December 7, 2025 at 1:00 PM
Immigrants account for nearly a third of long-term care workers in this country. Under Trump's mass deportation campaign, half of all U.S. nursing homes have stopped taking new residents.
Reposted by peter certo
"A young man I knew died that November night — Thanksgiving — after the cops had taken everything he had to keep him warm.
This isn’t how life in the United States should be."
This isn’t how life in the United States should be."
Police ‘Sweeps’ of Homeless Camps Are Worse Than You Think - OtherWords
As more and more communities criminalize homelessness, I want to share what it’s actually like to have the police take all your earthly belongings.
otherwords.org
December 8, 2025 at 2:02 PM
"A young man I knew died that November night — Thanksgiving — after the cops had taken everything he had to keep him warm.
This isn’t how life in the United States should be."
This isn’t how life in the United States should be."
Reposted by peter certo
As Trump makes wild accusations about Venezuelan president Maduro trafficking drugs, he just pardoned former Honduran president Juan Orlando Hernández, who was sentenced to 45 years last year for creating “a cocaine superhighway to the U.S.”
Trump’s Aggression Toward Venezuela Should Be Setting Off Alarm Bells - OtherWords
It’s looking a lot like the run-up to the Iraq war — only this time, the allegations are even more bogus and easily disproven.
otherwords.org
December 8, 2025 at 3:03 PM
As Trump makes wild accusations about Venezuelan president Maduro trafficking drugs, he just pardoned former Honduran president Juan Orlando Hernández, who was sentenced to 45 years last year for creating “a cocaine superhighway to the U.S.”
Reposted by peter certo
To fund universal free school lunches, Colorado slightly raised taxes on residents making more than $300k a year — people whose own children will also benefit.
It’s a simple calculus, one that we’re seeing more of in the absence of federal action.
It’s a simple calculus, one that we’re seeing more of in the absence of federal action.
If People Are Going Hungry, Why Can’t We Feed Them? - OtherWords
As Congress slashes SNAP, more states need to step up to fill in the gap.
otherwords.org
December 8, 2025 at 5:00 PM
To fund universal free school lunches, Colorado slightly raised taxes on residents making more than $300k a year — people whose own children will also benefit.
It’s a simple calculus, one that we’re seeing more of in the absence of federal action.
It’s a simple calculus, one that we’re seeing more of in the absence of federal action.
Reposted by peter certo
NEW: Research shows that SNAP work requirements have little effect on employment. The GOP's big, brutal bill includes them anyway — and will cause 2.4 million people to lose food benefits in an average month.
IPS scholar @reyannaj.bsky.social:
IPS scholar @reyannaj.bsky.social:
Even with the Shutdown Ending, Millions Will Lose Food Aid - OtherWords
The GOP budget bill passed earlier this year includes the largest cuts to SNAP in history. And those cuts are starting now.
otherwords.org
November 19, 2025 at 2:02 PM
NEW: Research shows that SNAP work requirements have little effect on employment. The GOP's big, brutal bill includes them anyway — and will cause 2.4 million people to lose food benefits in an average month.
IPS scholar @reyannaj.bsky.social:
IPS scholar @reyannaj.bsky.social:
Reposted by peter certo
NEW: Dozens of federal judges, nominated by both Democratic and Republican presidents, have condemned the Supreme Court's "shadow docket" rulings as confusing for them and harmful to the judiciary.
Paul Gordon of @peoplefor.bsky.social:
Paul Gordon of @peoplefor.bsky.social:
You Need to Understand the Supreme Court’s ‘Shadow Docket’ - OtherWords
The court’s MAGA majority has used a bureaucratic workaround to issue unsigned, unjustified rulings that often greenlight unlawful actions.
otherwords.org
December 4, 2025 at 6:00 PM
NEW: Dozens of federal judges, nominated by both Democratic and Republican presidents, have condemned the Supreme Court's "shadow docket" rulings as confusing for them and harmful to the judiciary.
Paul Gordon of @peoplefor.bsky.social:
Paul Gordon of @peoplefor.bsky.social:
Reposted by peter certo
The Trump administration’s deep cuts to SNAP will be devastating for many of the 42 million Americans that rely on food assistance, writes @ruwithsonali.bsky.social.
It’s time to let lawmakers know — basic necessities take priority over tax breaks for billionaires.
It’s time to let lawmakers know — basic necessities take priority over tax breaks for billionaires.
If People Are Going Hungry, Why Can’t We Feed Them? - OtherWords
As Congress slashes SNAP, more states need to step up to fill in the gap.
otherwords.org
December 5, 2025 at 1:01 PM
The Trump administration’s deep cuts to SNAP will be devastating for many of the 42 million Americans that rely on food assistance, writes @ruwithsonali.bsky.social.
It’s time to let lawmakers know — basic necessities take priority over tax breaks for billionaires.
It’s time to let lawmakers know — basic necessities take priority over tax breaks for billionaires.
Reposted by peter certo
NEW: As criminalization of unhoused people increases nationwide, its cruelty can't be overstated.
"They took my tools, my bike, and my family heirlooms," writes Carrieann Smith, an unhoused advocate with @vocal-tx.bsky.social. "Even my mom’s and husband’s ashes."
"They took my tools, my bike, and my family heirlooms," writes Carrieann Smith, an unhoused advocate with @vocal-tx.bsky.social. "Even my mom’s and husband’s ashes."
Police ‘Sweeps’ of Homeless Camps Are Worse Than You Think - OtherWords
As more and more communities criminalize homelessness, I want to share what it’s actually like to have the police take all your earthly belongings.
otherwords.org
December 5, 2025 at 2:02 PM
NEW: As criminalization of unhoused people increases nationwide, its cruelty can't be overstated.
"They took my tools, my bike, and my family heirlooms," writes Carrieann Smith, an unhoused advocate with @vocal-tx.bsky.social. "Even my mom’s and husband’s ashes."
"They took my tools, my bike, and my family heirlooms," writes Carrieann Smith, an unhoused advocate with @vocal-tx.bsky.social. "Even my mom’s and husband’s ashes."
Reposted by peter certo
For a president who once promised “no new wars,” Donald Trump’s extrajudicial attacks on Venezuelan boats bear disturbing similarities with the lead-up to the 2003 Iraq War — especially considering the majority of Americans are against it.
Trump’s Aggression Toward Venezuela Should Be Setting Off Alarm Bells - OtherWords
It’s looking a lot like the run-up to the Iraq war — only this time, the allegations are even more bogus and easily disproven.
otherwords.org
December 5, 2025 at 5:03 PM
For a president who once promised “no new wars,” Donald Trump’s extrajudicial attacks on Venezuelan boats bear disturbing similarities with the lead-up to the 2003 Iraq War — especially considering the majority of Americans are against it.
Reposted by peter certo
NEW: The 2025 Rural Policy Action Report outlines progressive policies that are popular with everyday Americans and immediately actionable by Congress.
Yes, there is another way. IPS is proud to be one of 40 groups convened by the Rural Democracy Initiative to develop and illustrate it:
Yes, there is another way. IPS is proud to be one of 40 groups convened by the Rural Democracy Initiative to develop and illustrate it:
2025 Rural Policy Action Report: A Roadmap for Rural Progress - Institute for Policy Studies
2025 Rural Policy Action Report: A Roadmap for Rural Progress
ips-dc.org
October 28, 2025 at 5:54 PM
NEW: The 2025 Rural Policy Action Report outlines progressive policies that are popular with everyday Americans and immediately actionable by Congress.
Yes, there is another way. IPS is proud to be one of 40 groups convened by the Rural Democracy Initiative to develop and illustrate it:
Yes, there is another way. IPS is proud to be one of 40 groups convened by the Rural Democracy Initiative to develop and illustrate it:
Reposted by peter certo
As millions of Americans worry where their next meal will come from without SNAP, the Trump administration is ending annual USDA reports on hunger levels, calling them “redundant, costly, and politicized.”
Stop Trump’s SNAP Coverup - OtherWords
The administration isn’t just cutting food benefits for hungry kids. It’s cancelling federal research into who’s even hungry.
otherwords.org
October 28, 2025 at 6:00 PM
As millions of Americans worry where their next meal will come from without SNAP, the Trump administration is ending annual USDA reports on hunger levels, calling them “redundant, costly, and politicized.”
Reposted by peter certo
Check out my new op-ed on Trump’s terror attacks.
Blowing Up Fishing Boats Won’t Win the Drug War - OtherWords
There’s a reason we don’t want drug warriors playing judge, jury, and executioner.
otherwords.org
October 23, 2025 at 9:27 PM
Check out my new op-ed on Trump’s terror attacks.
Reposted by peter certo
Check out my briefing to Congressional staffers if you want more background on Trump’s extrajudicial killings in the Caribbean.
VIDEO: "We Shouldn't Allow Drug Warriors to Act as Judge, Jury, and Executioner" - Institute for Policy Studies
In a recent briefing to dozens of congressional staffers, Sanho Tree addressed President Trump’s extrajudicial killings in the Caribbean.
ips-dc.org
October 22, 2025 at 1:13 AM
Check out my briefing to Congressional staffers if you want more background on Trump’s extrajudicial killings in the Caribbean.
Reposted by peter certo
Despite little support among mainstream politicians or the media, the immigrant rights movement is making a huge impact in this dangerous time: Nearly 80% of Americans now say immigration is good for this country — a record high.
IPS scholar Alliyah Lusuegro of @nationalpriorities.bsky.social:
IPS scholar Alliyah Lusuegro of @nationalpriorities.bsky.social:
The More Americans See of Trump’s Immigration Crackdown, The Less They Like It - OtherWords
Amid a wave of attacks on migrants, 80 percent of Americans now say immigration is good for this country — a record high.
otherwords.org
October 17, 2025 at 12:02 PM
Despite little support among mainstream politicians or the media, the immigrant rights movement is making a huge impact in this dangerous time: Nearly 80% of Americans now say immigration is good for this country — a record high.
IPS scholar Alliyah Lusuegro of @nationalpriorities.bsky.social:
IPS scholar Alliyah Lusuegro of @nationalpriorities.bsky.social:
Reposted by peter certo
NEW: We don't need to wait for lawmakers or pine for a bygone era. We can build a more resilient democracy with simple steps like supporting local economies and interacting face to face with our communities, argues @rsclove.bsky.social:
Rebuilding Hope in a Time of Darkness - OtherWords
Surviving our dark age will require more than “resistance” — we also need hope. We can start by making real connections in our own communities.
otherwords.org
October 17, 2025 at 3:43 PM
NEW: We don't need to wait for lawmakers or pine for a bygone era. We can build a more resilient democracy with simple steps like supporting local economies and interacting face to face with our communities, argues @rsclove.bsky.social:
Reposted by peter certo
The chaos of government shutdowns hurts our federal workers and the crucial services they provide for us all. But that chaos helps billionaires dodge taxes and regulations.
@igorvolsky.bsky.social of @taxgreed.bsky.social:
@igorvolsky.bsky.social of @taxgreed.bsky.social:
How Billionaires Benefit from Government Shutdowns - OtherWords
America’s richest often push for shutdowns to dodge taxes, avoid regulation, and slash benefits for working people.
otherwords.org
October 20, 2025 at 12:02 PM
The chaos of government shutdowns hurts our federal workers and the crucial services they provide for us all. But that chaos helps billionaires dodge taxes and regulations.
@igorvolsky.bsky.social of @taxgreed.bsky.social:
@igorvolsky.bsky.social of @taxgreed.bsky.social:
Reposted by peter certo
NEW: 73% of respondents in a recent Harvard survey reported that technology is making their in-person relationships suffer.
Tech corporations selling us AI "friends" are trying to profit off of worsening the problem. @ruwithsonali.bsky.social:
Tech corporations selling us AI "friends" are trying to profit off of worsening the problem. @ruwithsonali.bsky.social:
AI ‘Friends’ Are a Big Joke — At Our Expense - OtherWords
Most Americans think technology is making us lonelier. Big Tech’s solution? Be friends with your tech.
otherwords.org
October 20, 2025 at 1:07 PM
NEW: 73% of respondents in a recent Harvard survey reported that technology is making their in-person relationships suffer.
Tech corporations selling us AI "friends" are trying to profit off of worsening the problem. @ruwithsonali.bsky.social:
Tech corporations selling us AI "friends" are trying to profit off of worsening the problem. @ruwithsonali.bsky.social:
Reposted by peter certo
NEW: If the U.S. immigration enforcement apparatus were its own national military, it would be the 13th most heavily funded in the world. This bloated force is raining violence on Chicago.
@sarahlazare.bsky.social and @lindsaykosh.bsky.social of @nationalpriorities.bsky.social in @inthesetimes.com:
@sarahlazare.bsky.social and @lindsaykosh.bsky.social of @nationalpriorities.bsky.social in @inthesetimes.com:
The 13th Largest Army in World Is Unleashing Violence in Chicago
As federal agents kill and use extreme force in Chicago, their budget surges.
inthesetimes.com
October 6, 2025 at 6:40 PM
NEW: If the U.S. immigration enforcement apparatus were its own national military, it would be the 13th most heavily funded in the world. This bloated force is raining violence on Chicago.
@sarahlazare.bsky.social and @lindsaykosh.bsky.social of @nationalpriorities.bsky.social in @inthesetimes.com:
@sarahlazare.bsky.social and @lindsaykosh.bsky.social of @nationalpriorities.bsky.social in @inthesetimes.com:
Reposted by peter certo
NEW: Private equity firms drove Toys "R" Us, Joann Fabrics, and Sears into bankruptcy. Now, Trump could help them come after your retirement fund in yet another pro-billionaire, anti-worker gambit.
Chloe Rogers of @ourfinancialsecurity.org:
Chloe Rogers of @ourfinancialsecurity.org:
Don’t Let Wall Street Gamble with Your Golden Years - OtherWords
Private equity firms want your retirement savings — and the Trump administration wants to help them.
otherwords.org
September 12, 2025 at 5:20 PM
NEW: Private equity firms drove Toys "R" Us, Joann Fabrics, and Sears into bankruptcy. Now, Trump could help them come after your retirement fund in yet another pro-billionaire, anti-worker gambit.
Chloe Rogers of @ourfinancialsecurity.org:
Chloe Rogers of @ourfinancialsecurity.org:
Reposted by peter certo
"Sweden offers 16 months of paid parental leave. Canada is initiating $10 a day child care. Portugal has free child care for all.
This affirmed what I already knew in my gut: Moms in the U.S. are struggling due to systemic issues and policy failures."
This affirmed what I already knew in my gut: Moms in the U.S. are struggling due to systemic issues and policy failures."
Child Care Doesn’t Have to Be This Terrible - OtherWords
It was only after months of expensive child care stress that I learned other countries don’t do it this way.
otherwords.org
September 22, 2025 at 5:13 PM
"Sweden offers 16 months of paid parental leave. Canada is initiating $10 a day child care. Portugal has free child care for all.
This affirmed what I already knew in my gut: Moms in the U.S. are struggling due to systemic issues and policy failures."
This affirmed what I already knew in my gut: Moms in the U.S. are struggling due to systemic issues and policy failures."
Reposted by peter certo
NEW: In his latest book, BURNED BY BILLIONAIRES, IPS senior scholar @chuck77.bsky.social lays out his life's research on the detailed harms and solutions of wealth concentration in an "electrifying call to action."
Get 30% off if you pre-order before October 1:
Get 30% off if you pre-order before October 1:
Get 30% Off Chuck Collins’ New Book! - Institute for Policy Studies
Get 30% Off Chuck Collins’ New Book!
ips-dc.org
September 24, 2025 at 1:50 PM
NEW: In his latest book, BURNED BY BILLIONAIRES, IPS senior scholar @chuck77.bsky.social lays out his life's research on the detailed harms and solutions of wealth concentration in an "electrifying call to action."
Get 30% off if you pre-order before October 1:
Get 30% off if you pre-order before October 1:
Reposted by peter certo
NEW: The Trump administration — which includes private equity executives — is pressuring the Dept. of Labor and the SEC into letting private equity prey on Americans' retirement savings.
Chloe Rogers of @ourfinancialsecurity.org in @inequality.org:
Chloe Rogers of @ourfinancialsecurity.org in @inequality.org:
Don’t Let Wall Street Gamble with Your Golden Years
Private equity firms want your retirement savings — and the Trump administration wants to help them.
inequality.org
September 24, 2025 at 4:34 PM
NEW: The Trump administration — which includes private equity executives — is pressuring the Dept. of Labor and the SEC into letting private equity prey on Americans' retirement savings.
Chloe Rogers of @ourfinancialsecurity.org in @inequality.org:
Chloe Rogers of @ourfinancialsecurity.org in @inequality.org:
Reposted by peter certo
So here is our challenge to Governors Lujan Grisham, Shapiro, and Newsom: If you truly oppose Trump’s fossil fuel agenda, prove it. www.commondreams.org/opinion/blue...
Climate Week Is Here; Our Governors Are Still Siding with Polluters | Common Dreams
Frontline communities are exposing blue state governors that sell themselves as climate leaders while favoring polluters.
www.commondreams.org
September 23, 2025 at 5:25 PM
So here is our challenge to Governors Lujan Grisham, Shapiro, and Newsom: If you truly oppose Trump’s fossil fuel agenda, prove it. www.commondreams.org/opinion/blue...
Reposted by peter certo
NEW: Behind the pledges, even governors of blue states are greenlighting Trump's fossil fuel agenda. This Climate Week in NYC, frontline communities from New Mexico, California, and Pennsylvania are demanding real climate leadership.
IPS New Mexico Fellow Feleecia Guillen in @commondreams.org:
IPS New Mexico Fellow Feleecia Guillen in @commondreams.org:
Climate Week Is Here; Our Governors Are Still Siding with Polluters | Common Dreams
Frontline communities are exposing blue state governors that sell themselves as climate leaders while favoring polluters.
www.commondreams.org
September 23, 2025 at 2:48 PM
NEW: Behind the pledges, even governors of blue states are greenlighting Trump's fossil fuel agenda. This Climate Week in NYC, frontline communities from New Mexico, California, and Pennsylvania are demanding real climate leadership.
IPS New Mexico Fellow Feleecia Guillen in @commondreams.org:
IPS New Mexico Fellow Feleecia Guillen in @commondreams.org: