Federal Budget, and Transparency

I cannot recall a more crucial national decision than the resolution of the Federal Budget now being debated, the first round being adopted by the House of Representatives by a single vote: 215-214.

We all need to be involved in this through our elected representatives at the Federal Level (House and Senate members).  Obviously the President is the third leg of this stool.

Essential summary information is in the links below.  When the time comes for vote, your representatives have essentially four options:

1. YES.
2. NO.
3. Not Voting (which can be for any reason, from critical illness, to simply not voting).
4. PRESENT (available, but choosing not to vote).

This process can drag out for a long while.  The only absolute action you can take is to be on record with YOUR respresentatives as an individual.

There are also collective options available, such as “Indivisible”, etc.  The more personal, the better.  Best if your representative actually knows you.

Don’t waste your right to speak up.  Take time now to get well informed.

Heather Cox Richardson May 22, 2025. (Summary of May 22 action by the U.S. House of Representatives); see also May 23, 2025.  [Also May 24, 2025.]

Suggestions from the national group Indivisible:  Here and Here.  (These links are within this past week).

Political tee-shirt at MN State Capitol May 17, 2025

“EXTRA CREDIT:”  Chuck passed along this 20 minute YouTube with wellness advice for seniors.  This is non-political.   I watched it all.  It has some good ideas to consider.

Chuck’s summary of the video:

Key tips:

Each week of inactivity equals six months of aging.  90-year-olds can double their strength in 12 weeks.

Instead of avoiding challenges, seek them.  #4 is the social isolation time bomb!

Social isolation is as bad as smoking 15 cigarettes a day.  Doubles the risk of dementia, kills brain cells, weakens immunity, and accelerates physical decline

Research discovered that seniors with strong social connections live 22 percent longer and have 50% less cognitive decline

Mistake #5:  The memory myth massacre:  The brain can grow new cells at any age. It’s neural plasticity – the ability to rewire itself – Does not stop at 60. 70 or even 90.