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Utility bills are exceeding mortgages in West Virginia despite Trump’s promised cuts
President Trump promised to cut electricity bills, but prices have risen instead. Many in West Virginia now face utility costs surpassing rents and mortgages. And the state's reliance on coal-fired plants contributes to the problem. (AP Video: Jessie Wardarski, Carolyn Kaster)
« The list of grievances in our Declaration of Independence included these charges against the king:
He has refused his assent to laws.
He has obstructed the administration of justice.
He has made judges dependent on his will alone.
He has kept among us, in times of peace, standing armies, without the consent of our legislatures.
This election proved that the people of New Jersey recognize the parallels. That we see a president illegally usurping power. He has unconstitutionally enacted a tariff regime to make billions for himself and his family, while everyone else sees costs go higher and higher. Here, we demand people in public service actually serve the public instead of extorting money to benefit themselves and their cronies. »
— Gov. Mikie Sherrill in her inauguration speech on Tuesday drawing unfavorable comparisons between King George III and wannabe king Donald Trump. From the Office of Governor Mikie Sherrill.
Like her new colleague Gov. Spanberger in Virginia last weekend, Gov. Sherrill hit the ground running.
NJ governor declares emergency to freeze electric rate hikes
During her inaugural address, Gov. Mikie Sherrill signed an executive order aimed at stopping looming increases in household power bills and another to expand energy production in New Jersey. The actions mark one of the most aggressive uses of emergency authority on utility pricing in state history. "I’ve heard you, New Jersey – we are facing an affordability crisis. You want costs to come down," Sherrill said in a message posted to her Facebook page during her inauguration. "This is just the beginning."
Donald Trump declares states of emergency to send armed thugs into US cities to assault and kill US citizens. Democratic governors declare states of emergency to make life more affordable for Americans.
[le sigh] Okay, enough moping...I need help.
As some of you may know if you've followed me long enough, I've been struggling financially ever since moving out of my parents' house in 2021. I left because living there was an unhealthy situation for me both mentally and physically. I live with multiple chronic conditions that make working a regular job impossible, and rely on Medicaid, food stamps, and subsidized housing to stay afloat. Without those things I would end up homeless and probably dead. I've been applying for SSI/disability since 2019 and still have yet to be approved. My case is currently being reviewed by the Appellate Council for a second time, and has been since June of this year. Making ends meet is extremely difficult; I rely on the bit of EBT cash I receive and the good graces of my family and friends to keep afloat. The problem is that...it's not enough:
So...quick note on all of these. I have applied to my DSS office about assistance paying down my electric bill (the first one). For my Internet/home phone bill, I've scheduled to pay $243 (my past due amount) on December 4th, which I plan to with my EBT cash. The final bill is from my leasing office; it's a holdover from last year during which there was a period when I did have to pay rent and couldn't keep up. Moreover, that bill is from the summer (can't recall exactly what month), so it's likely higher now, but I can't check it because my complex has been switching ownership for a few months and I need to start an all new resident portal (:fume:).
So yeah...this is a lot. Do y'all see why I've been so rattled lately?
I don't want anything shut off or to be booted from my place of residence. I know I can get through this, but I need y'all's help!
Help a catboi out!
If I met my Ko-fi goal in the next month, I could knock all of these debts out and take a load of stress off my plate. I know a lot of people are struggling now, but even a dollar makes a difference!
I do also have the following:
CashApp: $lunafirebird87 (also my Venmo ID)
Hi, my name’s Phoenix! I’m a 38-year-old Black, disabled (chronic pain/… Phoenix Lee needs your support for Help me maintain my independenc
Please and thank you!
In your opinion, which Sims game was the best?
The Sims (original)
The Sims 2
The Sims 3
The Sims 4
The Sims Freeplay (mobile)
Something else/I hate the Sims/See results
Am celebrating a personal frugal win today. In 2024 I reduced my electricity consumption in every month compared to my 2023 usage.
I was already thrifty in 2023 so this is very satisfying. Lots of small, daily decisions and choices really can make a difference.
It's going to be hard to beat in 2025 but I am definitely up for the challenge!
**Extra info as per request from @cottagecore-and-backyard-gardens
Small things that I believe have helped to reduce my electricity use:
Using LED globes, having as few lights on as is necessary, turning the oven off 5 mins before time (there's enough heat to finish the cooking). Batch cooking - cook multiple things in the oven at the same time eg: a cake and chicken. Kettle - only boil the amount of water you need not the full jug every time.
I have a gas wall furnace and how I use it has helped save electricity too (its fan runs on electricity). Closing off rooms that don't need heating, turning the heater off 2 hours before bed as there is enough heat to get through. Turning the heater off for a while once it gets to around 22 celcius/ 72 Farenheit. In Winter that can add up to around 20+ hours less use of gas and electricity for that appliance every week! Door snakes and draught stoppers help too.
Waiting until there's a full load of laundry to do rather than multiple, small loads. Efficiently packing the fridge and freezer. Empty fridges use more power to keep cool whereas a stocked fridge has fewer air spaces and a greater cold thermal mass from the items in it. When food is running low I have often temporarily filled the fridge with unopened pantry goods such as tins and tetra pack products. Deciding what I need before opening the fridge/ freezer doors is a no brainer.
I know these are all tiny things. All the little things do add up though. I hope this has been useful! - P
My friends need help.
My friend Phoenix still has several overdue bills. They want these to be paid off before the new year. They want their Ko-Fi goal filled. Please give if you can. Any amount helps. Sharing the links helps. Their Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/lunafirebird/goal?g=2 C@sh@pp and Venmo: lunafirebird87 GoFundMe: https://gofund.me/9ffe73a4a Here are some of Phoenix’s Amazon wish lists if you are able to sent them stuff this way…. For their apartment living: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/2XYJDM1F11Q27?ref_=wl_share Recurring needs for him and her cat: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/36RHUIVCPTJEV?ref_=wl_share Here is their wishlist for his chronic pain: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/1O63JMUN4BCWU?ref_=wl_share Here is a wishlist of theirs for physical media: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/1NF24QRZ6S03A?ref_=wl_share Their Throne wishlist: https://throne.com/flamepanda87 Here is their Tumblr post about their situation: https://www.tumblr.com/risingphoenix87/801029066143744000/le-sigh-okay-enough-mopingi-need-help?source=share
AI and its billionaire overlords are coming for our jobs, water, electricity and status.
Scary
Due to an increase in costs, my electric bill for January is $350. I need to get this much by the 18th or my power will be disconnected.
My mom and I have scraped together $200, but I still need the remaining balance. If anyone could help, I would appreciate it. Even if it's $1, or a reblog.
I can provide proof if needed and will also give my cash app/venmo in a private message.
Thank you. I'm so ashamed.
