Itsa me, Erica!
@ericathemad.bsky.social
She/Her. Epidemiologist, union activist, baby mama, and Civ VI addict.
I have opinions.
I have opinions.
Pinned
I see people talking about the murder budget and saying “organize for ‘26,” and…y’all!? There’s elections this year. Some of us on the ballot will fight to maintain services and protect people the murder budget threatens. Others would surrender to it. Organize NOW. There’s a lot to win this year.
The people making laws about whether police can assist ICE, about affordable housing laws and zoning, about how much money to invest in community services we are desperately going to need - those are your local municipal and county lawmakers.
Change starts locally. And it starts with each of us.
Change starts locally. And it starts with each of us.
Reposted by Itsa me, Erica!
It's been 15 years since WA voters last walloped a state income tax. Now Democrats may try again — in part because of the incredible riches amassed since then.
‘Tax the rich’ may be reaching a boiling point in WA
www.seattletimes.com
December 20, 2025 at 3:12 PM
It's been 15 years since WA voters last walloped a state income tax. Now Democrats may try again — in part because of the incredible riches amassed since then.
Reposted by Itsa me, Erica!
rfk will not rest until your kid is dead wapo.st/4s2l2zn
U.S. plans to stop recommending most childhood vaccines, defer to doctors
The plan, which is not finalized, suggests children get fewer shots and shifts to a model telling parents to consult doctors to make their own vaccine choices.
wapo.st
December 20, 2025 at 12:25 AM
rfk will not rest until your kid is dead wapo.st/4s2l2zn
Reposted by Itsa me, Erica!
To be blunt, repaving highways by putting Washington $3 billion in debt rather than raising taxes on the wealthy is irresponsible.
To be blunt, the state has neglected its core transportation infrastructure for too long.
Today, I announced that I'm proposing $2.1 billion, the largest investment in 2 decades, for preservation and maintenance of our roads and bridges. This is being done without raising taxes.
Today, I announced that I'm proposing $2.1 billion, the largest investment in 2 decades, for preservation and maintenance of our roads and bridges. This is being done without raising taxes.
December 20, 2025 at 1:49 AM
To be blunt, repaving highways by putting Washington $3 billion in debt rather than raising taxes on the wealthy is irresponsible.
Reposted by Itsa me, Erica!
I cannot state any more baldly or clearly than I already have about what an immense menace RFK Jr. is. The number of preventable illnesses and deaths - of *babies* - will be horrific. This anti-vax crap is grotesque anti-science, and always has been.
Congratulations to everyone who wrote an op-ed about how he just wants americans to eat better
BREAKING: RFKJr directs that the US instantly stop recommending all vaccinations for children. www.washingtonpost.com/health/2025/...
December 20, 2025 at 1:55 AM
I cannot state any more baldly or clearly than I already have about what an immense menace RFK Jr. is. The number of preventable illnesses and deaths - of *babies* - will be horrific. This anti-vax crap is grotesque anti-science, and always has been.
Reposted by Itsa me, Erica!
Taking the state further into debt just to maintain the existing highway infrastructure we have, all to avoid increasing the taxes we already raised to pay for highway expansion projects, is so wild. Ferguson's first transportation budget is even worse than I expected.
December 20, 2025 at 1:12 AM
Taking the state further into debt just to maintain the existing highway infrastructure we have, all to avoid increasing the taxes we already raised to pay for highway expansion projects, is so wild. Ferguson's first transportation budget is even worse than I expected.
Reposted by Itsa me, Erica!
The nurses are on the verge of a strike www.thestranger.com/news/2025/12...
Seattle Children’s Hospital Nurses on the Verge of First-Ever Strike
Seattle Children's nurses and their union, the Washington State Nurses Association, say they don't want to strike, but the hospital, and it's anti-union law firm, aren't giving them a choice.
www.thestranger.com
December 19, 2025 at 12:04 AM
The nurses are on the verge of a strike www.thestranger.com/news/2025/12...
Reposted by Itsa me, Erica!
we have an elite impunity problem and a lot of the people and institutions that nominally oppose Trump will burn down their own before admitting that this helped produce him
I've said it many times before and Andrew Cuomo is making me say it again: we don't have a cancellation problem. We have never had a cancellation problem. To the contrary, we have a problem that "disgrace" is a very temporary embarrassment— an brief entr'acte more than an intermission.
June 16, 2025 at 2:20 PM
we have an elite impunity problem and a lot of the people and institutions that nominally oppose Trump will burn down their own before admitting that this helped produce him
Reposted by Itsa me, Erica!
Farmers near the Green River in South King County say the flooding they’ve experienced this month is unlike anything in recent memory. Now the water is receding — and the work ahead looks overwhelming.
As floodwaters recede, King County farmers face daunting cleanup
Farmers near the Green River in South King County say the flooding they’ve experienced this month is unlike anything in recent memory. Now the water is receding — and the work ahead looks overwhelming...
www.kuow.org
December 19, 2025 at 2:41 AM
Farmers near the Green River in South King County say the flooding they’ve experienced this month is unlike anything in recent memory. Now the water is receding — and the work ahead looks overwhelming.
Reposted by Itsa me, Erica!
"All is lost" narratives are popular because people generally do not want to take action. Taking action is tiring so if all is lost, you are off the hook. Nothing is more seductive than not having to do anything.
December 5, 2025 at 4:35 PM
"All is lost" narratives are popular because people generally do not want to take action. Taking action is tiring so if all is lost, you are off the hook. Nothing is more seductive than not having to do anything.
Reposted by Itsa me, Erica!
One good thing that the Covid pandemic brings us are accessible antigen tests. In addition to the now usual Covid antigen tests I bought a box of these quadruple tests, even including adenovirus. Every household should have Cov/Flu/RSV tests at home to know what you are dealing with when sick.
December 16, 2025 at 11:09 AM
One good thing that the Covid pandemic brings us are accessible antigen tests. In addition to the now usual Covid antigen tests I bought a box of these quadruple tests, even including adenovirus. Every household should have Cov/Flu/RSV tests at home to know what you are dealing with when sick.
Reposted by Itsa me, Erica!
Level 2 (GET SET) for residents & businesses along S 277th St, incl. Frontage Rd, D & B St NW, D & I St NE, and Trail Run. Flood risk is increasing—be ready to leave. Roads flooded: turn around, don’t drown. Trail Run exit via 52nd St NE, turn right only. auburnwa.gov/flood
#wawx #auburnwa
#wawx #auburnwa
December 14, 2025 at 2:55 AM
Level 2 (GET SET) for residents & businesses along S 277th St, incl. Frontage Rd, D & B St NW, D & I St NE, and Trail Run. Flood risk is increasing—be ready to leave. Roads flooded: turn around, don’t drown. Trail Run exit via 52nd St NE, turn right only. auburnwa.gov/flood
#wawx #auburnwa
#wawx #auburnwa
Reposted by Itsa me, Erica!
Level 2 (Get Set) for Pike St NE & Pike Pl NE due to Green River flooding. Be ready to leave. More info: auburnwa.gov/flood
#wawx #auburnwa
#wawx #auburnwa
December 12, 2025 at 1:46 AM
Level 2 (Get Set) for Pike St NE & Pike Pl NE due to Green River flooding. Be ready to leave. More info: auburnwa.gov/flood
#wawx #auburnwa
#wawx #auburnwa
Reposted by Itsa me, Erica!
Level 2 (Get Set) notice for Trail Run residents: Be ready to leave at a moment’s notice due to rising water.
Do not exit via L St NE or drive west on S 277th—roadway is flooded.
Use the emergency exit via 52nd St NE → turn right (east) only.
If you need help, call 911.
More info: auburnwa.gov/flood
Do not exit via L St NE or drive west on S 277th—roadway is flooded.
Use the emergency exit via 52nd St NE → turn right (east) only.
If you need help, call 911.
More info: auburnwa.gov/flood
December 12, 2025 at 2:06 AM
Level 2 (Get Set) notice for Trail Run residents: Be ready to leave at a moment’s notice due to rising water.
Do not exit via L St NE or drive west on S 277th—roadway is flooded.
Use the emergency exit via 52nd St NE → turn right (east) only.
If you need help, call 911.
More info: auburnwa.gov/flood
Do not exit via L St NE or drive west on S 277th—roadway is flooded.
Use the emergency exit via 52nd St NE → turn right (east) only.
If you need help, call 911.
More info: auburnwa.gov/flood
Reposted by Itsa me, Erica!
HB 2100 does it! It’s a payroll tax on high earners paid by the largest 1% of corporations in our state.
I’m also hearing that the State Legislature will consider a bill that repeals this sales tax on public schools in 2026 - it will likely come through the House Finance Committee.
I’m also hearing that the State Legislature will consider a bill that repeals this sales tax on public schools in 2026 - it will likely come through the House Finance Committee.
As of Dec 1, we're now getting charged a 10 percent sales tax on after school activities fees at the public school. Can't we just tax tech worker salaries already?
December 11, 2025 at 5:55 AM
HB 2100 does it! It’s a payroll tax on high earners paid by the largest 1% of corporations in our state.
I’m also hearing that the State Legislature will consider a bill that repeals this sales tax on public schools in 2026 - it will likely come through the House Finance Committee.
I’m also hearing that the State Legislature will consider a bill that repeals this sales tax on public schools in 2026 - it will likely come through the House Finance Committee.
Reposted by Itsa me, Erica!
Trump has already impounded funds meant for disaster relief in several states. Appeals to the feds should be part of Washington’s flood relief strategy, but new revenue in 2026 must be as well.
Cutting the state’s wildfire mitigation fund by 50% (as the legislature did earlier this year) ain’t it.
Cutting the state’s wildfire mitigation fund by 50% (as the legislature did earlier this year) ain’t it.
December 11, 2025 at 6:17 AM
Trump has already impounded funds meant for disaster relief in several states. Appeals to the feds should be part of Washington’s flood relief strategy, but new revenue in 2026 must be as well.
Cutting the state’s wildfire mitigation fund by 50% (as the legislature did earlier this year) ain’t it.
Cutting the state’s wildfire mitigation fund by 50% (as the legislature did earlier this year) ain’t it.
Reposted by Itsa me, Erica!
Washington State: ICE attacks are increasing rapidly across the state. They are here. They are going to get worse. You MUST organize locally to stand up against this. #washingtonstate #ice
December 6, 2025 at 7:51 PM
Washington State: ICE attacks are increasing rapidly across the state. They are here. They are going to get worse. You MUST organize locally to stand up against this. #washingtonstate #ice
Reposted by Itsa me, Erica!
Oh wow, Mountlake Terrace has made a complete reversal since June and changed their minds about Flock license plate readers!
Another victory in nearby Mountlake Terrace, WA! 🏆
"We’ve heard from our residents about the many troubles and challenges that this has this possibility of bringing. I think it’s time to pull the plug." - Mayor Pro Tem Bryan Wahl
#deflock #surveillance #alpr #flocksafety
"We’ve heard from our residents about the many troubles and challenges that this has this possibility of bringing. I think it’s time to pull the plug." - Mayor Pro Tem Bryan Wahl
#deflock #surveillance #alpr #flocksafety
‘Time to pull the plug’: MLT City Council cancels Flock contract | MLTnews.com
The Mountlake Terrace City Council at its Thursday business meeting voted 6-0 to cancel the City’s contract with the Flock Safety license plate
mltnews.com
December 6, 2025 at 4:55 PM
Oh wow, Mountlake Terrace has made a complete reversal since June and changed their minds about Flock license plate readers!
Reposted by Itsa me, Erica!
If you've been to PAX West you've received help from one of their knowledgeable, considerate building staff. We love our Greencoats and they deserve a fair contract! I'll be signing this and I hope you'll join me.
www.teamsters117.org/fair_contrac...
www.teamsters117.org/fair_contrac...
Fair Contract for Workers at the Seattle Convention Center!
Convention Center: Essential Workers Deserve Essential Wages
www.teamsters117.org
December 6, 2025 at 6:48 AM
If you've been to PAX West you've received help from one of their knowledgeable, considerate building staff. We love our Greencoats and they deserve a fair contract! I'll be signing this and I hope you'll join me.
www.teamsters117.org/fair_contrac...
www.teamsters117.org/fair_contrac...
Reposted by Itsa me, Erica!
WCHA disagrees with CDC’s Advisory Committee’s change to decades-long vaccine recommendation that has reduced pediatric hepatitis B infections by 99 percent.
doh.wa.gov/newsroom/wes...
doh.wa.gov/newsroom/wes...
West Coast Health Alliance, WA DOH, and Leading National Medical Organizations Continue to Recommend Hepatitis B Vaccination for Newborns
For immediate release: December 5, 2025 (25-145) Contact: DOH Communications
doh.wa.gov
December 6, 2025 at 12:52 AM
WCHA disagrees with CDC’s Advisory Committee’s change to decades-long vaccine recommendation that has reduced pediatric hepatitis B infections by 99 percent.
doh.wa.gov/newsroom/wes...
doh.wa.gov/newsroom/wes...
IVF is already incredibly difficult for service members and veterans, because they have to prove a service connection to their infertility to get insurance coverage. But at least there is a chance.
Military families deserve better, and Mike Johnson is a monster to take IVF away as an option.
Military families deserve better, and Mike Johnson is a monster to take IVF away as an option.
MAJOR UPDATE: Speaker Mike Johnson is working behind closed doors to strip IVF coverage for all active duty members of the military.
Will the self-proclaimed "Father of IVF" Donald Trump swoop in to save it?
Will the self-proclaimed "Father of IVF" Donald Trump swoop in to save it?
Mike Johnson works in secret to strip IVF health coverage from defense bill
The speaker is working behind closed doors to remove a provision from the National Defense Authorization Act that would mandate health coverage for in vitro fertilization for all active duty military.
www.ms.now
December 5, 2025 at 3:46 AM
IVF is already incredibly difficult for service members and veterans, because they have to prove a service connection to their infertility to get insurance coverage. But at least there is a chance.
Military families deserve better, and Mike Johnson is a monster to take IVF away as an option.
Military families deserve better, and Mike Johnson is a monster to take IVF away as an option.
Reposted by Itsa me, Erica!
based on how often the naughty teens of major cities throw the rentable scooters directly into the river i've formed a theory that the many iron age swords and cauldrons found in lakes around europe that we've previously assumed were ceremonial and sacrificial in nature were in fact thrown by teens
August 17, 2024 at 4:38 PM
based on how often the naughty teens of major cities throw the rentable scooters directly into the river i've formed a theory that the many iron age swords and cauldrons found in lakes around europe that we've previously assumed were ceremonial and sacrificial in nature were in fact thrown by teens
Reposted by Itsa me, Erica!
Two new studies provide insights into a possible cure for HIV, and feature the work of researchers from the UW and Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center.
Path to HIV cure includes Seattle scientists
www.seattletimes.com
December 2, 2025 at 1:43 AM
Two new studies provide insights into a possible cure for HIV, and feature the work of researchers from the UW and Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center.
Reposted by Itsa me, Erica!
500,000 violations.
BREAKING: According to a recent investigation by NYC's Department of Consumer and Worker Protection, Starbucks illegally violated workers' protection laws in NYC 500,000 times since 2021. Over $35.5 million will be paid in restitution to Starbucks workers!
gothamist.com/news/starbuc...
gothamist.com/news/starbuc...
Starbucks to pay $35M to NYC workers after city alleges years of abuses
The city says about 15,000 employees will get paid $50 for each week worked over a three-year period. For some workers, that's thousands of dollars.
gothamist.com
December 1, 2025 at 6:36 PM
500,000 violations.
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On Tues. 12/2 my office will host a rally/press conference to announce proposed legislation to mitigate President Trump’s austerity budget in Wash. State. The Well Washington Fund protects healthcare, higher ed, and housing. Let’s make sure it passes in the 2026 Washington State Legislative Session.
December 1, 2025 at 4:13 AM
On Tues. 12/2 my office will host a rally/press conference to announce proposed legislation to mitigate President Trump’s austerity budget in Wash. State. The Well Washington Fund protects healthcare, higher ed, and housing. Let’s make sure it passes in the 2026 Washington State Legislative Session.
With UBI, I could afford to try for a second kiddo, and sign my toddler up for swimming and gymnastics classes.
Honest question: If everyone got Universal Basic Income, no strings attached, what would YOU do with it?
Re-post with your quote or drop your take below.
Re-post with your quote or drop your take below.
November 29, 2025 at 10:57 PM
With UBI, I could afford to try for a second kiddo, and sign my toddler up for swimming and gymnastics classes.