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pkursky.bsky.social
@pkursky.bsky.social
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pkursky.bsky.social
It’s only inflation if it comes from the Inflation region of the outcomes of a policy playbook I disagree with. Otherwise it’s just a sparkling increase in how much you have to pay for things.
July 16, 2025 at 4:20 PM
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annabower.bsky.social
DOGE cut off payments for the electricity, cell phone, and internet service of U.S. government employees who work in a high-risk area in Central America.

Meanwhile, DOGE apparently plans to spend $25,000 to install a washer and dryer for their own personal use in a federal office building in DC.
Because DOGE has shut down USAID's payment system (Phoenix), our housing electricity and the electricity in our USAID building have not been paid for. Mission leadership has informed us that the only reason our electricity is on is because we've asked for an extension from the electric company. The Mission asked for a waiver but because our payment system is down, the Treasury has no way to issue money to USAID and State Department representatives here are hesitant to make payments on our behalf for fear of not being reimbursed. 7. Once the electricity goes out in our homes, we lose access to our security cameras and radios. Again, I live in a high-risk post, so access to security systems is very important to me. 8. I have been told by Mission leadership that the cell phone and internet bills are due this week with no way to pay them. This is despite the so-called "waiver" process that has been allegedly implemented to preserve such access. 9. Our cell phones and radios are also the only way to communicate with the Regional Security Office about security threats. We have access to no other USAID security systems. The agency is also considering spending about $25,000 to install a washer and dryer on the building’s 6th floor, according to a Feb. 25 invoice obtained by POLITICO. There is also a child’s play area decorated with a stuffed animal and toys, according to a photo of the room shared with POLITICO. “People are definitely … sleeping there,” said one GSA staffer.
March 8, 2025 at 3:28 PM