Michael Herzing
@mherz67.bsky.social
Writer, Pennsylvanian, Progressive, Pragmatist
ICE arrests in Montgomery County are leaving immigrant communities fearful and unsafe. Local governments must limit police collaboration, ensure transparency, and protect residents. Public safety depends on trust, not intimidation.
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As immigrant detentions spike, Montco activists demand transparency: ‘ICE is burning trust to the ground’
Advocates say federal immigration officials have detained many people in Norristown and have ramped up activity in Abington, Perkiomenville and Ambler, among other areas.
buff.ly
December 6, 2025 at 12:00 AM
ICE arrests in Montgomery County are leaving immigrant communities fearful and unsafe. Local governments must limit police collaboration, ensure transparency, and protect residents. Public safety depends on trust, not intimidation.
buff.ly/E1vn8cn
buff.ly/E1vn8cn
Delaware County just became the third Philly collar county to protect LGBTQ+ residents from discrimination—covering housing, work, healthcare, and more. Local governments are stepping up where Trump tries to tear down protections.
Delaware County approves a nondiscrimination ordinance protecting LGBTQ+ residents
Delaware County joins other Philly collar counties in adopting legislation to protect LGBTQ residents as President Donald Trump's administration targets the community through policy and rhetoric.
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December 5, 2025 at 11:00 PM
Delaware County just became the third Philly collar county to protect LGBTQ+ residents from discrimination—covering housing, work, healthcare, and more. Local governments are stepping up where Trump tries to tear down protections.
Under Trump, ICE detention has surged past 65,000—most with no criminal convictions. Families torn apart, communities destabilized, lives at risk. This isn’t law enforcement—it’s cruelty.
More than 65,000 immigrants are being held in federal detention, a big increase from when Trump took office
"They are dead serious about moving as many people out of the country as possible, and keeping them detained while they do it," said Philly immigration attorney Jonah Eaton.
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December 5, 2025 at 10:01 PM
Under Trump, ICE detention has surged past 65,000—most with no criminal convictions. Families torn apart, communities destabilized, lives at risk. This isn’t law enforcement—it’s cruelty.
Congressman Meuser finally opens his ‘private’ forum to the public—but still excludes the media, gives short notice, and holds it during work hours. Democracy isn’t a VIP club. Constituents deserve transparency, not control.
Meuser opens forum to public, but not press
Select constituents were notified by email this week that U.S. Representative Dan Meuser (R-9) will hold a private, in-person constituent forum this Friday at 11:30 a.m. The email came from Courtne…
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December 5, 2025 at 9:00 PM
Congressman Meuser finally opens his ‘private’ forum to the public—but still excludes the media, gives short notice, and holds it during work hours. Democracy isn’t a VIP club. Constituents deserve transparency, not control.
Trump heads to northeastern PA to tout his economic agenda—but with approval at 38% and costs of living skyrocketing, people aren’t buying it. Midterms are coming, and voters are already saying ‘enough.’
Economy-focused Trump tour to start in northeastern Pennsylvania • Pennsylvania Capital-Star
President Donald Trump plans to kickoff a domestic tour focused on the economy in NEPA next week ahead of 2026 midterms.
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December 5, 2025 at 8:00 PM
Trump heads to northeastern PA to tout his economic agenda—but with approval at 38% and costs of living skyrocketing, people aren’t buying it. Midterms are coming, and voters are already saying ‘enough.’
BREAKING: Trump tries to erase the citizenship of children born in America.
The 14th Amendment isn’t a suggestion—it guarantees birthright citizenship. America doesn’t get to pick and choose who counts as “American.”
The 14th Amendment isn’t a suggestion—it guarantees birthright citizenship. America doesn’t get to pick and choose who counts as “American.”
Breaking News: The Supreme Court agreed to review a landmark dispute over the constitutionality of President Trump’s effort to end birthright citizenship. www.nytimes.com/2025/12/05/u...
December 5, 2025 at 7:24 PM
BREAKING: Trump tries to erase the citizenship of children born in America.
The 14th Amendment isn’t a suggestion—it guarantees birthright citizenship. America doesn’t get to pick and choose who counts as “American.”
The 14th Amendment isn’t a suggestion—it guarantees birthright citizenship. America doesn’t get to pick and choose who counts as “American.”
So let me get this straight: a far-right Romanian politician gets arrested for fraud, and the world’s richest man personally amplifies a foreign influencer to turn him into a global sensation? Meanwhile, democracy struggles to get fact-checked.
www.nytimes.com/2025/12/05/b...
www.nytimes.com/2025/12/05/b...
Elon Musk Loves What This Guy Has to Say
www.nytimes.com
December 5, 2025 at 7:09 PM
So let me get this straight: a far-right Romanian politician gets arrested for fraud, and the world’s richest man personally amplifies a foreign influencer to turn him into a global sensation? Meanwhile, democracy struggles to get fact-checked.
www.nytimes.com/2025/12/05/b...
www.nytimes.com/2025/12/05/b...
Carolina crossed seven countries, survived kidnappings, beatings, and sexual assault, just to reunite with her son—only to be trapped in a U.S. border shelter. Immigration isn’t chaos, it’s hope. Congress must act.
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buff.ly/BVOapvW
Trump may have shut down the border to asylum-seekers, but he can’t end immigrants’ hope | Luis F. Carrasco
The president has succeeded in curtailing illegal immigration through a mix of enforcement, deterrence, and cruelty, but it is unsustainable.
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December 5, 2025 at 7:00 PM
Carolina crossed seven countries, survived kidnappings, beatings, and sexual assault, just to reunite with her son—only to be trapped in a U.S. border shelter. Immigration isn’t chaos, it’s hope. Congress must act.
buff.ly/BVOapvW
buff.ly/BVOapvW
Ezra Bozeman spent his final days paralyzed, on life support, behind bars—while Pennsylvania spent $100k/year to keep him there. This is not justice. It’s cruelty. HB 150 can fix this. Compassionate release isn’t weakness—it’s decency.
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Why expanding eligibility for compassionate release is just and necessary
For elderly, sick people behind bars, new legislation could be life-changing.
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December 5, 2025 at 6:01 PM
Ezra Bozeman spent his final days paralyzed, on life support, behind bars—while Pennsylvania spent $100k/year to keep him there. This is not justice. It’s cruelty. HB 150 can fix this. Compassionate release isn’t weakness—it’s decency.
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Reposted by Michael Herzing
“I am thrilled that my legislation, now law, will help Pennsylvanians access the money that belongs to them with less cost, less paperwork and less delay.” - @repciresi.com
pahouse.com/InTheNews/Ne...
pahouse.com/InTheNews/Ne...
Shapiro signs into law Ciresi legislation to expand access to simplified unclaimed property claims, further help heirs following the death of a loved one
HARRISBURG, Nov. 25 – On Monday, Gov. Josh Shapiro signed into law state Rep. Joe Ciresi’s legislation that will make it easier and less expensive for Pennsylvanians to claim property that is rightfully theirs — and reduce the financial burden following the death of a...
pahouse.com
December 5, 2025 at 4:43 PM
“I am thrilled that my legislation, now law, will help Pennsylvanians access the money that belongs to them with less cost, less paperwork and less delay.” - @repciresi.com
pahouse.com/InTheNews/Ne...
pahouse.com/InTheNews/Ne...
PA is investing $3M to provide free period products in all schools, ensuring students can focus on learning without worrying about basic hygiene. Total investment now $6M under @pahousedems.com & Gov. Shapiro.
www.pa.gov/agencies/hea...
www.pa.gov/agencies/hea...
Menstrual Hygiene funding 25-26
Menstrual Hygiene funding 25-26
www.pa.gov
December 5, 2025 at 5:09 PM
PA is investing $3M to provide free period products in all schools, ensuring students can focus on learning without worrying about basic hygiene. Total investment now $6M under @pahousedems.com & Gov. Shapiro.
www.pa.gov/agencies/hea...
www.pa.gov/agencies/hea...
This undermines the Voting Rights Act and sets a precedent for more partisan redistricting.
www.washingtonpost.com/politics/202...
www.washingtonpost.com/politics/202...
Supreme Court hands Trump victory in fight over Texas congressional map
The decision marks the latest development in a battle between Republican and Democratic states that seek partisan advantage ahead of the 2026 midterms.
www.washingtonpost.com
December 5, 2025 at 5:04 PM
This undermines the Voting Rights Act and sets a precedent for more partisan redistricting.
www.washingtonpost.com/politics/202...
www.washingtonpost.com/politics/202...
Another example of Trump's weaponization of justice against political opponents.
apnews.com/article/leti...
apnews.com/article/leti...
Grand jury rejects new mortgage fraud indictment against New York Attorney General Letitia James
The Justice Department has failed to secure a new indictment against New York Attorney General Letitia James after a judge dismissed the previous mortgage fraud prosecution encouraged by President Don...
apnews.com
December 5, 2025 at 5:02 PM
Another example of Trump's weaponization of justice against political opponents.
apnews.com/article/leti...
apnews.com/article/leti...
The state shouldn’t leave schools & counties holding the bag for interest costs caused by the 4-month budget impasse.
@repdougherty.com’s HB 2079 would reimburse districts, counties & nonprofits forced to borrow just to keep services running.
@repdougherty.com’s HB 2079 would reimburse districts, counties & nonprofits forced to borrow just to keep services running.
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December 5, 2025 at 5:00 PM
The state shouldn’t leave schools & counties holding the bag for interest costs caused by the 4-month budget impasse.
@repdougherty.com’s HB 2079 would reimburse districts, counties & nonprofits forced to borrow just to keep services running.
@repdougherty.com’s HB 2079 would reimburse districts, counties & nonprofits forced to borrow just to keep services running.
Millions of Americans buying health insurance through the ACA marketplace face *skyrocketing costs* next year if Congress doesn’t act. Nearly 60% can’t afford a $300 premium hike. Republicans are blocking relief—people’s health is on the line. #ProtectACA
penncapital-star.com/2025/12/04/r...
penncapital-star.com/2025/12/04/r...
Most ACA marketplace users can’t afford potential increases, poll shows • Pennsylvania Capital-Star
Americans who purchase their health insurance through the Affordable Care Act marketplace are bracing for a steep rise in costs next year that many say they will not be able to afford
penncapital-star.com
December 5, 2025 at 4:55 PM
Millions of Americans buying health insurance through the ACA marketplace face *skyrocketing costs* next year if Congress doesn’t act. Nearly 60% can’t afford a $300 premium hike. Republicans are blocking relief—people’s health is on the line. #ProtectACA
penncapital-star.com/2025/12/04/r...
penncapital-star.com/2025/12/04/r...
One billionaire, Jeff Yass, has spent hundreds of millions to push school vouchers and sway elections, shaping entire state legislatures and courts. Democracy shouldn’t be for sale to the highest bidder.
www.washingtonpost.com/politics/202...
www.washingtonpost.com/politics/202...
Meet the billionaire pushing taxpayer-funded school vouchers
How one of the richest people on the planet presses his pet issue: school choice
www.washingtonpost.com
December 5, 2025 at 4:52 PM
One billionaire, Jeff Yass, has spent hundreds of millions to push school vouchers and sway elections, shaping entire state legislatures and courts. Democracy shouldn’t be for sale to the highest bidder.
www.washingtonpost.com/politics/202...
www.washingtonpost.com/politics/202...
Trump’s Education Secretary visits a 100% low-income, majority Black & Latino school to tout ‘America the greatest’—while outsourcing programs, cutting staff, and pushing school choice. Kids deserve real resources, not PR tours.
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December 5, 2025 at 4:51 PM
Trump’s Education Secretary visits a 100% low-income, majority Black & Latino school to tout ‘America the greatest’—while outsourcing programs, cutting staff, and pushing school choice. Kids deserve real resources, not PR tours.
buff.ly/w6qnRoQ
buff.ly/w6qnRoQ
This is not vaccine policy — it’s political sabotage.
RFK Jr. just ended a decades-long Hep B birth-dose recommendation despite no new science, a chaotic process, and a panel stacked with anti-vaccine activists he personally appointed.
RFK Jr. just ended a decades-long Hep B birth-dose recommendation despite no new science, a chaotic process, and a panel stacked with anti-vaccine activists he personally appointed.
Breaking News: A federal vaccine committee voted to end the decades-long recommendation that all newborns be immunized at birth against hepatitis B, a highly infectious virus that leads to chronic liver disease in most infected children.
An End to Hepatitis B Shots for All Newborns
A federal panel voted on Friday to recommend halting the at-birth shots for all infants, in a step toward Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s goal of upending the nation’s vaccine policy.
nyti.ms
December 5, 2025 at 4:15 PM
This is not vaccine policy — it’s political sabotage.
RFK Jr. just ended a decades-long Hep B birth-dose recommendation despite no new science, a chaotic process, and a panel stacked with anti-vaccine activists he personally appointed.
RFK Jr. just ended a decades-long Hep B birth-dose recommendation despite no new science, a chaotic process, and a panel stacked with anti-vaccine activists he personally appointed.
“If immigrants don’t feel safe to call the police, how many people will be hurt?” – Rabbi Elyse Wechterman, a member of Montco Community Watch
whyy.org/articles/mon...
whyy.org/articles/mon...
Montgomery County activists push for all 62 municipalities to pass welcoming policies
Six of the county’s 62 municipalities have welcoming policies or statements, activists said.
whyy.org
December 5, 2025 at 1:28 PM
“If immigrants don’t feel safe to call the police, how many people will be hurt?” – Rabbi Elyse Wechterman, a member of Montco Community Watch
whyy.org/articles/mon...
whyy.org/articles/mon...
Dr. Oz’s record at CMS shows attacks on trans youth care and rising health premiums. It’s right for the Lehigh Valley community to hold him accountable and defend access to gender-affirming care and affordable coverage.
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Trans activist groups to protest Dr. Oz’s Lehigh Valley visit
Trans advocacy groups are speaking out against the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce’s Lehigh Valley Healthcare Summit hosting Dr. Mehmet Oz.
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December 4, 2025 at 11:00 PM
Dr. Oz’s record at CMS shows attacks on trans youth care and rising health premiums. It’s right for the Lehigh Valley community to hold him accountable and defend access to gender-affirming care and affordable coverage.
buff.ly/0lgKk1i
buff.ly/0lgKk1i
While millions of Americans face rising premiums next month, the Trump White House offers vague guidance and no concrete plan. Democrats are ready to extend Affordable Care Act subsidies to protect families and keep coverage affordable.
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Trump wants a health care deal. He’s leaving the details to Congress.
Several GOP lawmakers have proposals to address the year-end expiration of enhanced ACA subsidies.
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December 4, 2025 at 10:00 PM
While millions of Americans face rising premiums next month, the Trump White House offers vague guidance and no concrete plan. Democrats are ready to extend Affordable Care Act subsidies to protect families and keep coverage affordable.
buff.ly/YQXkwSq
buff.ly/YQXkwSq
Reports show the Trump admin carried out a second strike that killed survivors of a disabled boat—and then shifted explanations repeatedly. Accountability and transparency matter. No one is above the law, even in “war on drugs” operations.
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December 4, 2025 at 9:00 PM
Reports show the Trump admin carried out a second strike that killed survivors of a disabled boat—and then shifted explanations repeatedly. Accountability and transparency matter. No one is above the law, even in “war on drugs” operations.
buff.ly/AD7EhQj
buff.ly/AD7EhQj
Federal rules shouldn’t punish libraries that have served as passport agencies for decades. Closing these locations will limit access, especially for working families, and hurt library budgets. Congress must ensure communities can keep these vital services.
buff.ly/Rkbtuyz
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Central Pa. library system will soon no longer be able to serve as passport agencies | WITF
Lancaster County could lose five passport agencies before the end of the year after federal officials told local libraries they could no longer pr […]
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December 4, 2025 at 8:00 PM
Federal rules shouldn’t punish libraries that have served as passport agencies for decades. Closing these locations will limit access, especially for working families, and hurt library budgets. Congress must ensure communities can keep these vital services.
buff.ly/Rkbtuyz
buff.ly/Rkbtuyz
Clean water is a public health & economic priority. Programs like the Clean Water State Revolving Fund let communities modernize aging infrastructure, protect waterways, and keep rates affordable. Congress must reauthorize it before it expires in 2026. #CleanWater
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Congress must reauthorize the clean water fund that’s saved Harrisburg $136M | Opinion
The Clean Water State Revolving Fund expires in 2026, threatening affordable infrastructure upgrades for aging systems—some dating to before the Civil War.
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December 4, 2025 at 7:00 PM
Clean water is a public health & economic priority. Programs like the Clean Water State Revolving Fund let communities modernize aging infrastructure, protect waterways, and keep rates affordable. Congress must reauthorize it before it expires in 2026. #CleanWater
buff.ly/84bfZ5G
buff.ly/84bfZ5G
As Rockview State Prison nears closure, state Rep. Scott Conklin is leading efforts to ensure transparency in the sale of its 5,700+ acres and push for land to support affordable housing in the home county.
buff.ly
December 4, 2025 at 6:00 PM
As Rockview State Prison nears closure, state Rep. Scott Conklin is leading efforts to ensure transparency in the sale of its 5,700+ acres and push for land to support affordable housing in the home county.