06.Nov.2025, THURSDAY 6:30pm at The Hangar

We gather again this Thursday at 6:30pm at: The Hangar Restaurant
on the second floor (there is an elevator in addition to stairs)
540 1st St S
St. Petersburg, FL 33701
https://www.thehangarstpete.com/

As I write this (Monday, 03 Nov) we are nearing a record length government shutdown. The record to date was a 35-day shutdown during Trump's first administration. The GOP-controlled House, Senate, and White House passed legislation to provide tax cuts to the wealthy, and now have a pending Continuing Resolution -- which would only fund the govt until 21 Nov 2025. Meanwhile, they have allowed healthcare premium subsidies to expire for ACA ("Obamacare") subscribers. This loss of subsidies is expected to result in 12 million people losing their healthcare (due to lack of affordability).

Other services affected:
"Programs run by the National Park Service, federal grants issued by the Department of Health and Human Services and clinical trials operated by the National Institutes of Health will be stalled.
Head Start early learning programs for children could be paused due to the halt in federal grant funding. The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program disbursements could briefly cease in some states while others may see trash collection and road repairs stop.
There could also be disruption to student aid, including the processing of Free Applications for Federal Student Aid, disbursing of Pell Grants and federal direct student loans and servicing federal student loans payments. Borrowers are still expected to make payments during this time." (from https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/5530753-federal-employees-shutdown-operations/ )

The GOP-controlled Senate could choose to take the "nuclear option" (cancel the filibuster) and use a simple 51-vote majority to get the government open. That would not address ACA subsidies, but would let allocated funds for other programs flow and allow for paused salaries (air traffic controllers and TSA, for example) to be paid.

So the GOP could "reopen" the government (until 21 Nov). The Dems won't support a reopening without restoration of the ACA subsidies. The GOP says they will talk about subsidies after Dems support the current legislation and reopen the government. The Dems know they have no leverage if they give in. The Repubs know they can reopen the government, but then that prevents them from stating that the Dems voted for the proposed Continuing Resolution (and allowed ACA subsidies to expire).

Meanwhile millions of citizens suffer. Sheesh.

If you show up and can't find us, just ask at the staff where the St Pete Drinking Liberally group is seated :)

Please note that several "regulars" show up most weeks, and therefore do not RSVP. Don't worry if you are new and only see a few RSVPs if you look at Meetup :) Anyone is welcome (as long as they are civil), and we talk about pretty much ANYthing -- some of which is political and plenty that is just life in general :)
~ Joe & Shirley