T W I W C

Tag: politics

  • Ding Dong, TX #020

    Ding Dong, TX #020

    Sep 27, 2025 | Postscape #020

    The small communities surrounding Ding Dong, Texas, rely on federal grants for support. President Trump’s August 2025 Executive Order on grant oversight has created uncertainty by putting funding decisions in the hands of a political appointee focused on the current administration’s “national interest.”

    This puts important projects like rural broadband expansion at risk, disrupts local utility companies, and adds pressure on rural service providers due to limits on “indirect costs.” Additionally, restrictions on grants for initiatives related to “racial preferences” or “gender or DEI ideology programs” could cut essential services for vulnerable populations, including mental health programs for veterans.

    Overall, the new oversight system favors political alignment over program stability, jeopardizing resource-limited rural organizations and their services.

    SOURCES

    1.

    https://news.aai.org/2025/08/14/exxecutive-order-oversight-federal-grants/

    2.

    https://www.wiley.law/alert-New-Executive-Order-Calls-for-Reforming-Federal-Grant-Oversight

    3.

    Older Americans Act (OAA) Grants (Administered by the Administration for Community Living – ACL): These discretionary funds are essential for in-home services and nutrition programs for seniors. State Health Insurance Program (SHIP) and MIPPA (Medicare benefits) grants are also key.

    Area Agency on Aging of Central Texas (AAACT) Main Page: https://ctcog.org/aging/

    Texas HHS AAA Grants Overview https://www.hhs.texas.gov/providers/long-term-care-providers/area-agencies-aging-aaa/aaa-grants-overview

    4.

    Health Center Program (Section 330) Grants (Administered by HHS/HRSA): The primary funding for Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) which would be directly impacted by the EO’s call to limit indirect costs (overhead, rent, utilities) and the political oversight of grant renewals.HHS TAGGS (General Grant Info for HHS recipients like health centers): https://taggs.hhs.gov/

    5.

    Emergency Food and Shelter Program (EFSP) (Federal pass-through funds) and other HUD/HHS grants. These organizations are vulnerable to the EO’s criteria that vet against certain social initiatives or ideological alignment (Source 2.1 in previous answer).Families In Crisis News Article (Mentions funding challenges):

    https://citizenportal.ai/articles/5621519/Killeen/Bell-County/Texas/Families-In-Crisis-requests-Killeen-gap-funding-for-community-resource-center-operations

    Food Care Center Profile (Confirms non-profit status and community focus):

    https://www.guidestar.org/profile/75-2195539

    6.

    This video discusses the release of billions in grant money for schools after an administration review, which is an example of the kind of funding delay and subsequent release that can be caused by the new grant oversight process outlined in the executive order:

  • Truth Or Consequences – September 2025

    Truth Or Consequences – September 2025

    September 26, 2025

    The 2025 extension of Trump’s tax cuts mostly helps wealthy Americans and big businesses, locking in big breaks for folks making over $450,000 a year and corporations. Regular families get some relief with bigger standard deductions and a bump in child tax credits, but many low-income Americans see cuts in programs like Medicaid and food assistance and they may pay more out of pocket.

    Some lawmakers, especially those with investments in real estate and businesses (and their donors) benefit directly from the cuts, raising concerns that the whole thing’s designed to line pockets rather than help average people. The bill also makes it easier for the super-rich to dodge estate taxes when passing down wealth, widening the gap between the rich and everyone else.

    In the end, while it’s sold as a win for everyone, the real winners are the wealthy and politically connected—the rest get the leftovers and foot the bill.

    SOURCES

    https://taxpolicycenter.org/features/2025-tax-cuts-tracker

    https://www.cnbc.com/2025/03/03/who-benefits-from-trump-tax-cuts-and-jobs-act-extension.html

  • Congress Sidelines

    Congress Sidelines

  • Unraveling

    Unraveling

  • Lawmakers

    Lawmakers

  • Judges Lean Partisan

    Judges Lean Partisan

    Sep 21, 2025

    Samuel Alito, known for reliable votes supporting right-wing and executive power positions, has been scrutinized over undisclosed trips and connections to conservative advocacy groups (as well as flag controversies involving his household). He is statistically the court’s most conservative justice. [1]

    Justice Clarence Thomas is extremely conservative, nearly always aligns with Alito and is a frequent leader of the most partisan bloc. His repeated headlines about unreported gifts, luxury trips, and financial benefits from conservative donors have raised major ethical concerns in 2024 and 2025, with Senate hearings and investigative journalism coverage. [2]

    Neil Gorsuch often aligns with the conservative bloc of Thomas and Alito on key issues. Brett Kavanaugh and Amy Coney Barrett are also conservative but are perceived as somewhat more moderate. John Roberts, the Chief Justice, has shifted right but remains the likely conservative swing vote, occasionally siding with liberals in close cases.

    By contrast, Sonia Sotomayor, Elena Kagan, and Ketanji Brown Jackson are seen as left-leaning but have mostly stayed out of major ethics controversies. Their dissenting opinions align with Democratic views.

    The combination of ethical concerns and partisan leanings fuels distrust and threatens the Court’s role as a fair, impartial guardian of democracy. The consequences of this erosion are felt by everyday Americans in their rights, protections, and faith in government institutions.

    SOURCES

    https://www.newsweek.com/clarence-thomas-samuel-alito-ethics-violations-found-new-senate-probe-2004585

    How ProPublica Exposed Ethics Scandals at the US Supreme Court
  • Tightwad, MO #019

    Tightwad, MO #019

    Sep 20, 2025 | Postscape #019

    The Trump administration has made significant cuts to federal Medicaid spending, reducing it by about $1 trillion over the next decade. Critics say these changes will harm children’s access to care, while increased administrative demands could make it harder for families with varying incomes to keep their coverage. These cuts aim to prevent fraud and protect vulnerable populations, yet it may result in fewer people covered. Children’s hospitals, which rely on Medicaid for a significant portion of their revenue, are at greater risk and the administrations failure to implement a policy for continuous health coverage for infants and toddlers is concerning. Opponents of the cuts continue to argue they will worsen health disparities, especially among children.

    Federal Medicaid cuts could hurt Tightwad, Missouri, by impacting low-income residents, children, and the elderly. These changes may cause local hospitals and clinics to struggle financially, possibly leading to reduced services or closures. This would make it harder for residents to access essential care, such as emergency services, home health, and mental health treatment. Low-income families might find it more difficult to maintain their children’s health insurance, creating gaps in care. Overall, the cuts could weaken the town’s healthcare system and harm its most vulnerable citizens.

    SOURCES

    Rural hospitals in Missouri already struggle to turn a profit. Medicaid cuts could force some to close
    Pain of Missouri’s 2005 Missouri Medicaid Cuts Holds Lessons for Today

    Missouri Health Matters

    ANOL

  • Nothing, AZ #018

    Nothing, AZ #018

    Sep 12, 2025 | Postscape #018

    As of late 2025, congressional oversight of the Trump administration is plagued by delays and partisan disputes, especially regarding Jeffrey Epstein-related files. Tensions increased after a controversial letter from the President was found in Epstein’s birthday book. The President’s executive order to close the Department of Education faced little resistance from Congress, raising doubts about oversight effectiveness. The administration’s investigations are seen as distractions. Concerns about transparency remain due to the Department of Justice’s lack of cooperation with oversight requests and ongoing legal disputes related to executive orders on education and civil rights, highlighting tensions between government branches.

    Stalled congressional oversight and new policies from the administration could hurt everyday Arizonans. Proposed cuts to federal funding for Medicaid and SNAP threaten healthcare and food security for many, including over 1 million children. The removal of clean energy tax credits risks billions in investments and thousands of jobs, leading to higher future energy costs. Additionally, new tariffs on imported goods may raise prices on everyday items, while a federal freeze on research grants could negatively impact local universities and tribal communities, affecting important projects and services. Overall, these policy changes could result in economic uncertainty, higher living costs, and reduced access to essential social services.

    SOURCES

    New Fiscal Analysis: The Economic Impact of Federal Medicaid Cuts in Arizona

    E&E News

    KJZZ