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starchick68.bsky.social
✨StarChick68💫
@starchick68.bsky.social
2.3K followers 1.4K following 6.2K posts
Finally got a Bluesky account (I have been reading my fav profiles for a while), but Schumer ticked me off. I had to share info about the CR. But he and 9 others vote yes anyway. They didn't listen to us.
https://www.epi.org/policywatch/house-passes-con
Posts Replies Media Videos
starchick68.bsky.social
November 22, 2025 at 9:42 PM
starchick68.bsky.social
Trump says he's terminating legal protections for Somali migrants in Minnesota

#NoKings
#FightFascism

abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory...
The president announced his decision on his social media site, suggesting that Minnesota was “a hub of fraudulent money laundering activity.” “Somali gangs are terrorizing the people of that great State, and BILLIONS of Dollars are missing. Send them back to where they came from,” Trump wrote. “It’s OVER!”
November 22, 2025 at 5:18 AM
starchick68.bsky.social
www.reuters.com/business/tra...
reuters.com 'Stale' September jobs data is mixed news for a divided Fed Ann Saphir, Howard Schneider 5–6 minutes Summary US reports gain of 119,000 jobs in September, higher unemployment rate Cleveland Fed president sees job market slowing, not deteriorating Analysts expect Fed rate-cut decisions to be affected by stronger economy in 2026 Nov 20 (Reuters) - The U.S. economy added more jobs than expected in September, but a rise in the unemployment rate and downward revisions to prior months still presented an ambiguous picture for Federal Reserve officials mulling whether further interest rate cuts are needed to bolster the labor market. Following the release of the data on Thursday by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, traders modestly boosted the odds of a quarter-percentage-point rate cut when the Fed holds its next policy meeting on December 9-10, to 33% from about 20%.... more on link
November 21, 2025 at 4:40 AM
starchick68.bsky.social
www.brookings.edu/articles/the...

#BidenAdminPandemicRecover
Figure 7. Core CPI inflation across the G10 Source: Haver Analytics
November 19, 2025 at 7:11 AM
starchick68.bsky.social
#BidenAdminPandemicRecover

Commentary
The US recovery from COVID-19 in international comparison

2024
www.brookings.edu/articles/the...
Conclusion In broad terms, policymakers faced two options during the pandemic with respect to fiscal stimulus. One route was to invoke aggressive fiscal stimulus to avoid persistent economic scarring and sluggish growth but accept elevated inflation in the face of highly atypical supply chain pressures. The second option was to offer more muted fiscal support, and to allow for the emergence of output gaps and slow growth in consumption, which might help offset extra inflation. The U.S. chose the former, while most of the rest of the G10 opted for the latter. As a result, the U.S. has seen substantially more economic growth and more investment, but with slightly higher price levels in the initial years of the recovery https://www.brookings.edu/articles/the-us-recovery-from-covid-19-in-international-comparison/
November 19, 2025 at 7:11 AM
starchick68.bsky.social
... and WA state

www.lni.wa.gov/workers-righ...
The 2025 minimum wage in the state of Washington is $16.66 per hour. Washington employers must pay most employees at least the minimum wage for every hour worked. 2025 minimum wage announcement poster. (English) Some local jurisdictions have higher minimum wage rates and different labor rules than Washington State. Visit Local Minimum Wage Rates for information about minimum wage rates in other local jurisdictions. The 2026 minimum wage in the state of Washington will be $17.13 per hour.
November 18, 2025 at 1:32 AM
starchick68.bsky.social
Agree ... at least Megyn Kelly is still on trending today
screenshot of bsky trending topics include Bill Clinton, Megyn Kelly, Charlotte Protests, Aggies, Nortre dame November 15, 2025 5:00 p.m. Pacific
November 16, 2025 at 1:04 AM
starchick68.bsky.social
good grief - another one

his wife turned him in

29-year-old Spencer Wilson

...police discovered child pornography and other unauthorized videos on Wilson’s phone. Evidence of sexual abuse of an animal was also uncovered, according to court documents.

www.khq.com/news/spokane...
November 14, 2025 at 10:10 PM
starchick68.bsky.social
another pedophile

www.khq.com/news/coeur-d...

realtor in Idaho www.homes.com/real-estate-...

www.krem.com/article/news...

BCSO also said their investigators believe there may be additional victims, and encouraged them to come forward.
November 14, 2025 at 10:07 PM
starchick68.bsky.social
A recent report by Deadline revealed that Lifetime is making a movie about the case

...family says they have not been contacted about the movie

Goncalves family grieving three years after Idaho murders and find new hope

www.khq.com/news/goncalv...
he Kaylee Jade Dahlia will raise money for a new foundation, honoring Kaylee Goncalves. The flower will go on sale on Dec. 26.
November 14, 2025 at 2:35 AM
starchick68.bsky.social
my profile pic for a few years
November 13, 2025 at 7:12 AM
starchick68.bsky.social
gotta appreciate the fact that tRump's fat head covers up a portion of "Liberty"

A Two-Headed Coin That Always Comes Up ‘Trump’
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/09/u...

The Treasury Department is considering a Trump $1 coin for 250th US birthday

www.usatoday.com/story/news/p...
Nov. 9, 2025 Nearly a century ago, the United States paused its 1920s roar to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the country’s birth. There were speeches, a Philadelphia flop of a World’s Fair, more speeches and a commemorative coin mostly remembered now as a numismatic misfire. The 1926 coin featured the long-dead first president, George Washington, beside the very-much-alive current president, Calvin Coolidge, whose appearance broke with American convention not to depict a sitting president on money. The custom was inspired by Washington himself, who was so anti-monarchical he could have coined the phrase “No Kings.” The Washington-Coolidge half-dollar is the only American coin to feature a sitting president. But not for long. more on link https://www.nytimes.com/2025/11/09/us/trump-commemorative-coin.html In a 2016 article, the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco confirmed that "a living person may not appear on U.S. currency." "To avoid the appearance of a monarchy, it was long-standing tradition to only feature portraits of deceased individuals on currency and coin," it said. "That tradition became law with an 1866 Act of Congress." “No coin issued may bear the image of a living former or current President,” says the federal law − 31 U.S. Code 5112 regarding coin denominations, specifications, and design, according to the Legal Information Institute at Cornell Law School. Treasury Department officials did not respond to questions late Oct. 3 as to whether any special carve-outs have been established for commemorative coins, including the one that Trump is proposing. The legislation also mandated that no “head and shoulders portrait or bust of any person, living or dead, and no portrait of a living person may be included in the design on the reverse of specified coins.” Other commemorative coins During Trump’s first administration, Congress passed the Circulating Collectible Coin Redesign Act of 2020 that authorized the Department of the Treasury to issue commemorative coins beginning January 1, 2026, “with up to five different designs emblematic of the U.S. semiquincentennial.” more on link https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2025/10/03/donald-trump-commemorative-coin-legal/86504452007/
November 11, 2025 at 3:23 AM
starchick68.bsky.social
I have read other articles over the years, the gist is GOP thinks everyone can fund their own high deductible healthcare plans & pay for retirement with income that they put in HSAs.

Health Savings Accounts Poised for Comeback Under Republicans ~ Bloomberg Dec. 2024

link in ALT text

4/4
Republican interest in revisiting HSAs is broad. Make America Healthy Again advocate Calley Means—an associate of President-elect Donald Trump’s pick for Health and Human Services Secretary, Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.—founded a company selling HSA-eligible vitamins and fitness gear through “letters of medical necessity.” The Heritage Foundation’s Trump-linked Project 2025 playbook calls for allowing Medicaid recipients to use HSA-like accounts to purchase catastrophic plans, while the House Republican Study Committee’s 2025 budget urges lawmakers to de-link HSAs from high-deductible plans. Such ideas are expensive, at least on paper. Former Trump officials with the Paragon Institute endorsed tying a plan’s actuarial value—the amount of medical costs it pays on a patient’s behalf—to HSAs. The first Trump administration estimated that allowing HSAs for plans up to a 70% actuarial value would cost the federal government $28.5 billion over 10 years. https://news.bloomberglaw.com/daily-labor-report/health-savings-accounts-poised-for-comeback-under-republicans Existing HSA policies are already projected to cost the government more than $180 billion over the next decade. That money could go towards closing the Medicaid coverage gap or extending enhanced Affordable Care Act subsidies, said Gideon Lukens, a Center on Budget and Policy Priorities senior fellow. “The question is, do we want to spend even more money on something that overwhelmingly benefits people with high incomes?” he said. “Or would we rather target federal dollars to people who can’t afford health coverage, are not covered, have medical debt, and are struggling with affording other basic needs?” Labeling HSAs as tools for the wealthy is a “mischaracterization,” said Johns Hopkins University accounting and health policy professor Ge Bai, pointing to data that show the majority of HSA holders live in zip codes where the median income is below $100,000. Loosening requirements around the accounts could be particularly useful for gig workers who lack insurance, she said. Expansions would also help lower-income people access HSAs, especially if they can use them with other types of plans or can receive contributions from friends or charity groups. “Why not open it up to poor people?” Bai said. “To me, it’s unfair to say only rich people can have it.” Congress could also simply restrict HSAs for non-medical purposes to address tax shelter concerns, she said. https://news.bloomberglaw.com/daily-labor-report/health-savings-accounts-poised-for-comeback-under-republicans
November 11, 2025 at 2:55 AM
starchick68.bsky.social
Senate Republicans float direct health payments to end shutdown stalemate: WSJ
Nov. 09, 2025

seekingalpha.com/news/4519074...

3/4
Senate Republicans have offered a new proposal aimed at breaking the monthlong government shutdown, suggesting that some healthcare funds go directly to households instead of financing another year of expanded Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidies, The Wall Street Journal reported Sunday. The GOP plan, led by Sen. Bill Cassidy (R., La.), would steer federal money into flexible-spending or health savings accounts that Americans could use to pay deductibles and other medical costs. Cassidy said on the Senate floor that lawmakers should look for creative compromises that give patients more control over their healthcare dollars.
November 11, 2025 at 2:55 AM
starchick68.bsky.social
... then this one later today.
, it’s been a big week for Democrats in every corner of the country. Just look at these states: In Virginia, Abigail Spanberger was elected the first woman governor of the Commonwealth with over 57 percent of the vote. In New Jersey, Mikie Sherrill won her race for governor with more than 56 percent of the vote. In New York City, Zohran Mamdani was elected mayor with over a million votes. In Pennsylvania, voters chose to retain three State Supreme Court Justices, with each receiving more than 61 percent of the vote. In California, voters approved Prop 50 with nearly 64 percent of the vote. No, none of these stats are a typo. In states and cities nationwide, Democrats dominated in races up and down the ballot. On Tuesday night, voters sent a clear message to Trump and his allies: We’re done with your attacks on our democracy and our economy, and we’re coming for Congress next. At the DNC, we’ve spent 2025 organizing across the country, we’ve invested millions in state Democratic parties, and we’ve talked to voters in the bluest of blue and the reddest of red districts to make sure they are hearing Democrats’ message. But here’s the truth: The work is just beginning. If we want to win back Congress next year and the White House in 2028, we can’t slow down now.
November 11, 2025 at 2:34 AM
starchick68.bsky.social
email I received today:

Rep.-elect Adelita Grijalva (via Democrats.org)
I’m Representative-elect Adelita Grijalva, and I'm the final vote Democrats need to force a vote on releasing the Epstein files. But it's been nearly seven weeks since I was elected to Congress. This is the longest a representative has ever waited to be sworn in after winning a special election. We already know that Trump has lied about the files, and Democrats are so close to getting to the bottom of it. But we need your help to keep the pressure up. That starts with folks like you splitting a contribution between my campaign and the DNC to show Republicans that we will release the files, uncover their corruption, and kick them out of power in 2026. So please, join your fellow Democrats and split a contribution of whatever you can afford today: Rep.-elect Adelita Grijalva (via Democrats.org)
November 10, 2025 at 10:33 PM
starchick68.bsky.social
meme we no long have a difference in political opinion we have a difference in morality
November 10, 2025 at 4:43 AM
starchick68.bsky.social
www.seattletimes.com/nation-world...
Senate takes major step to end shutdown28 minutes ago A group of moderate Democrats agreed to proceed without a guaranteed extension of health care subsidies, angering many in their caucus who say Americans want them to continue the fight.
November 10, 2025 at 4:40 AM
starchick68.bsky.social
www.bls.gov/opub/ted/202...
In March 2023, 73 percent of civilian workers had access to retirement benefits, with 56 percent of workers participating in these plans. The take-up rate (the percent of workers with access to an employer-sponsored benefit who choose to participate in the benefit) for retirement benefits was 77 percent in March. Less than half (49 percent) of the lowest quartile of workers in terms of wages had access to retirement benefits, while the two middle quartiles had access rates of 73 percent and 83 percent, respectively. Ninety-two percent of workers in the highest quartile had access to retirement benefits, with 84 percent participating (take-up rate of 90 percent). more on link https://www.bls.gov/opub/ted/2023/73-percent-of-civilian-workers-had-access-to-retirement-benefits-in-2023.htm
November 9, 2025 at 11:55 PM
starchick68.bsky.social
Not everyone has 401Ks or 401Ks they will be able to retire comfortably with:

www.bls.gov/opub/ted/202...

Less than half (49 percent) of the lowest quartile of workers in terms of wages had access to retirement benefits ...
Percent of civilian workers with access to and participating in employee benefits by wage group, March 2023 bar graph https://www.bls.gov/opub/ted/2023/73-percent-of-civilian-workers-had-access-to-retirement-benefits-in-2023.htm
November 9, 2025 at 11:55 PM
starchick68.bsky.social
New Experiences Available for Annual CPAC Gala at Mar-a-Lago Club July 2025
Gala Attendance - $5,000 Enjoy an elegant evening on Thursday, July 6 for a Cocktail Party by the Mar-a-Lago Club Pool, followed by a Gala Dinner in the Donald J. Trump Grand Ballroom. Both events will showcase prominent conservative speakers for inspiring conversations and networking. Book your stay at the Four Seasons Palm Beach for convenient transportation access. VIP Attendance - $7,500 Experience the full event from November 4–7, 2025, with access to the reserved CPAC hotel block at the Four Seasons Palm Beach. VIP includes all Gala Attendance benefits, plus exclusive events: a preferred invitation (based on availability) to the Welcome Reception on Tuesday, November 4; the Circle Member Breakfast, Circle Member Dinner outdoors at The Mar-a-Lago Club, and the 45 Nightcap at the host hotel on Wednesday, November 5; the CAC VIP Breakfast and 47 Nightcap on Thursday, November 6; and the Farewell Brunch on Friday, November 7. Co-Host - $25,000 Join us from November 4–7, 2025, with access to the CPAC hotel block at the Four Seasons Palm Beach. Includes all Gala and VIP Attendance benefits, plus premium perks: preferred seating at all events, access to the Premium Patio section during remarks at the Annual Gala Dinner Cocktail Reception, an exclusive invitation to the intimate CPAC Chairman’s Circle Member Dinner on Tuesday, November 4, at The Mar-a-Lago Club, and the CPAC Co-Hosts Brunch on Thursday, November 6. Your name will be prominently displayed at The Mar-a-Lago Club and listed in select publications. CPAC remains committed to fighting for the conservative values that make our country great! Secure your spot today for a transformative weekend of fellowship, inspiration, and opportunity to support CPAC in preserving freedom! https://www.cpac.org/post/new-experiences-available-for-annual-cpac-gala-at-mar-a-lago-club
November 9, 2025 at 1:54 AM
starchick68.bsky.social
I am re-watching Spider-Man: Homecoming tonight
💙🕷️
cartoon/meme kid watching Spiderman on TV in 1994 "Respect Minorities" kid tears up with caring and empathy kid grown up in 2024 watching Spiderman: "Respect Minorities" grown 'MAGAkid' saying "they fing runited it with their WOKE trash! it wasn't like this when I was a kid!!
November 9, 2025 at 1:39 AM
starchick68.bsky.social
Apparently, if you have a lot money in the HSA, you can earn tax-free interest (for retirement).

Once again, it takes money to make money.

www.kff.org/health-costs...
Health Savings Accounts and High Deductible Health Plans: Are They An Option for Low-Income Families? Published: Sep 29, 2006 Email Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) are a type of medical savings account that allow consumers to save for medical expenses on a tax-fee basis. They are linked with high deductible health plans (HDHPs), and together these insurance and savings options represent a new approach to health care, commonly referred to as consumer-directed care. This brief, based on analyses of available data and research, finds that most low-income families would not benefit from HSA-HDHPs due to an already low level of tax liability and the amount of family income that the HDHP and potential cost-sharing would consume. In addition, greater cost-sharing potentially reduces the use of health care among those with low-incomes, particularly those who are not in good health. more on link https://www.kff.org/health-costs/health-savings-accounts-and-high-deductible-health/
November 8, 2025 at 11:27 PM
starchick68.bsky.social
MTG and Boebert at SOTU yelling at Pres. Biden
November 8, 2025 at 10:54 PM
starchick68.bsky.social
States with Environmental Programs are Gas Price Outliers

Average Gas Prices Less Estimated State Gas Taxes, Dollars per Gallon
taxfoundation.org/data/all/sta...

3/3
States with Environmental Programs are Gas Price Outliers Average Gas Prices Less Estimated State Gas Taxes, Dollars per Gallon Source: AAA; EIA; API; State Departments of Revenue https://taxfoundation.org/data/all/state/gas-taxes-state/
November 7, 2025 at 2:38 AM