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Erich Weyant 🏳️‍🌈 🫏

@erichweyant.bsky.social
6.3K followers 6.6K following 84 posts

Democratic hack from Western New York with 20 years on the local & state level. Here to boost democracy, common sense and the rule of law.

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Reposted by Erich Weyant 🏳️‍🌈 🫏
Forbes @forbes.com · 13/05/2026
Duffy embarked on the all-expenses-paid Great American Road Trip, designed as a “guide to the historic landmarks, open roads, and small towns that tell 250 years of this country’s story.” But as the financing has come into view, the trip looks less like civic uplift than a rolling ethics problem.
forbes.com
Here’s How Much Multimillionaire Transport Secretary Sean Duffy Got Paid While Taking A Corporate-Sponsored Family Road Trip
Boeing, Toyota and Shell sent Duffy and ten family members on multiple all-expenses-paid vacations while he continued to draw a taxpayer-funded salary.
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Robert Reich @rbreich.bsky.social · 29/04/2026
The John Roberts Court has done more to reduce the political power of poor people and Black people while enlarging the voting rights of rich people and corporations than has any court since Roger Taney was Chief Justice in the 1800s. I opposed his nomination in 2005, and I stand by that.
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Sky Marchini @sky.skymarchini.net · 06/04/2026
reassuring
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Robert Reich @rbreich.bsky.social · 18/03/2026
It's estimated that US oil companies could gain a windfall of $60B this year if crude prices maintain the levels they have hit since the start of Trump's war on Iran. Remember that Big Oil spent spent nearly $100M to get Trump elected in 2024. That investment is paying off quite well for them.
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Amy Fried @asfried.bsky.social · 13/03/2026
The Collins playbook #mepolitics open.substack.com/pub/amyfried...
open.substack.com
Susan Collins Has Run the Same Campaign for Decades
Here's the four-part playbook used by New England's only congressional Republican
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Sandra Tan @sandratan.bsky.social · 21/02/2026
Erie County Clerk Mickey Kearns has a Democratic challenger - a Williamsville trustee who came close to defeating an incumbent assemblyman at the age of 22. share.google/yMjab8R7ZiX4...
share.google
Williamsville village trustee will challenge Kearns for Erie County clerk
A business consultant who serves as a Williamsville village trustee is challenging incumbent Michael "Mickey" Kearns for the Erie County Clerk's Office in what will be one of the most-watched local ra...
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Sandra Tan @sandratan.bsky.social · 17/02/2026
.Erie County, NY government has more than 1,400 cars and light-duty trucks but how the county should keep employees from abusing the system has led some long arguments between department heads and county legislators. Here's the latest.
buffalonews.com
Who controls the Erie County fleet?
Erie County administrators say no one person has oversight and accountability rights over the county's entire fleet of 1,400 motor vehicles. Legislators say that's wrong.
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Sandra Tan @sandratan.bsky.social · 30/01/2026
The big barrier to reforming government policies regarding employees being given take-home cars, access to free gas etc. isn't just updating a policy; it's ensuring the policy applies to everyone. How the Erie County, NY Legislature is wrestling with that:
buffalonews.com
Different rules govern Erie County's fleet of vehicles. The Legislature might change that
An Erie County audit found big problems with how the county assigns and monitors use of taxpayer-funded vehicles. Now the Legislature is tasked with creating a new policy.
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Sandra Tan @sandratan.bsky.social · 22/01/2026
The Erie County Legislature is officially creating a new five-member subcommittee today that will meet weekly to discuss reforms to the county fleet management, in light of a critical fleet services audit. We had that story last week:
buffalonews.com
Legislators look to fix 'broken system' after audit slams tracking and use of county-owned vehicles
Erie County Legislator Jeanne Vinal intends to chair a special, bipartisan committee after an audit found that a lack of accountability and oversight has resulted in mismanagement of a vehicle fleet that the county spends more than $10 million a year to maintain.
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Erich Weyant 🏳️‍🌈 🫏 @erichweyant.bsky.social · 05/12/2025
If you have questions about what's in the budget, Sandy Tan gives a great overview.
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Erich Weyant 🏳️‍🌈 🫏 @erichweyant.bsky.social · 02/12/2025
Great overview of the amendments the Legislature made to the budget. It will be up for a vote on Thursday.
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Sandra Tan @sandratan.bsky.social · 17/11/2025
This is a case study in the politics of tax collection. Yes, it's one of those how-the-sausage-is-made stories, but it'll give you a lot more insight than your high school civics class.
buffalonews.com
No more 'collusion': Compromise reached after year of disagreement involving mortgage taxes in Erie County
After a year of disagreement, accusations and budget gaps involving the previously uninteresting "mortgage tax," Erie County Clerk Michael "Mickey" Kearns and the County Legislature have reached a compromise.
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Erich Weyant 🏳️‍🌈 🫏 @erichweyant.bsky.social · 15/11/2025
Had a great time joining Diamond Jim to talk through the 2025 results: what surprised us, what didn’t, and what the numbers say about where Erie County is heading. Always fun and a little chaotic. If you're curious how the cycle shook out across the county, give it a listen.
shows.acast.com
Diamond Jim Radio Hour - Ep 12 - 2025 Election Recap | The Diamond Jim Radio Hour
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Ra Cha Cha #SlavaUkraini @rachacha.bsky.social · 11/11/2025
In today's Politics and Stuff, @kenkruly.bsky.social reminds us of the old political saw: As Cheektowaga goes, so go the state and nation. After what happened a week ago, we can only hope that holds true next year. politicsandstuff.com/2025/11/11/a...
politicsandstuff.com
As Cheektowaga goes, so goes the nation
The headline of this post is an old saw that at least anecdotally is truer than not.  How the Town of Cheektowaga votes often lays out a pattern that is duplicated countywide, statewide, and n…
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Erich Weyant 🏳️‍🌈 🫏 @erichweyant.bsky.social · 07/11/2025
The 2024 Trump "realignment" is over already open.substack.com/pub/gelliott...
open.substack.com
The 2024 Trump "realignment" is over already
Claims of a conservative realignment of non-whites, the working class, and young voters have been highly exaggerated
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Sandra Tan @sandratan.bsky.social · 05/11/2025
Have an Erie County issue to bring before County Legislature? Starting Thursday, for the first time, you'll get the chance to address the governing body directly. Here's how that will work.
buffalonews.com
For first time, anyone from the public who wants to speak before Erie County Legislature can
Starting with this week's Erie County Legislature meeting, the public will have the chance to address the Legislature on agenda items and other topics related to county business during public
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Erich Weyant 🏳️‍🌈 🫏 @erichweyant.bsky.social · 03/11/2025
A solid overview of this year’s races for Erie County Legislature.
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Sandra Tan @sandratan.bsky.social · 24/10/2025
Here's how it Erie County Sheriff John Garcia agreed to speak with the Erie County Legislature regarding the Granville case after a lengthy silence.
buffalonews.com
After lengthy silence, Garcia to appear before the Legislature to address Granville case
Erie County Sheriff John Garcia has agreed to appear before the County Legislature on Thursday to answer questions in relation to the Daniel "D.J." Granville case.
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Miranda Yaver @mirandayaver.bsky.social · 18/10/2025
Hell yes, Pittsburgh. Love Yinz. No Kings.
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Zach Wahls @zachwahls.bsky.social · 14/10/2025
Over half of Iowa's energy comes from wind power. Because of Ashley Hinson's vote to gut clean energy tax credits via the "Big Beautiful Bill," Iowans will see their utilities go up by hundreds of dollars a year and thousands of Iowa workers are at risk of losing their jobs.
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Erich Weyant 🏳️‍🌈 🫏 @erichweyant.bsky.social · 12/10/2025
We inherit stories from our families, reminders of how people chose to act when there were no easy answers. The Buffalo News has published my column about my ancestor, whose choice to enlist in the Revolutionary War has lessons for finding courage in our uncertain times. rb.gy/ygkjkq
rb.gy
My View: Acts of service must be their own reward
The lesson is that service does not wait for perfect conditions, nor is it just the responsibility of those in elected office. It belongs to the ordinary people who choose
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Sandra Tan @sandratan.bsky.social · 04/10/2025
Ever since an Iowa-based newspaper chain bought @buffalonews.com in 2020, they have only taken from The Buffalo News and this community. We need ownership that invests in local journalism. But we don't have one. That must change.
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Sandra Tan @sandratan.bsky.social · 02/10/2025
An outside forensic audit of the Erie County Clerk's Office found no additional public money missing from the Clerk's Office. BUT auditors refused to conclusively state that no other money was taken. The full scoop:
buffalonews.com
Outside audit of Clerk's Office uncovers 'extortion' emails and faults lack of access to information
Emails referencing 'extortion,' information delays and other issues were found in outside forensic audit of the Erie County Clerk's Office, which was released this week.
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Sandra Tan @sandratan.bsky.social · 25/09/2025
Following the Granville case? Read this early exclusive on D.J. Granville's plans to return to work, his intent to make restitution, and the latest on whether the Erie County Legislature is going to investigate anything after saying in March that they would.
buffalonews.com
Erie County legislators want an outside investigation into Granville case, as Granville looks to return to work next week
Erie County Democrats in the County Legislature are asking for a state probe of the case of Daniel "DJ" Granville, the high-ranking member of the Sheriff's Office who crashed his county-owned pickup truck into seven parked cars.
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Sandra Tan @sandratan.bsky.social · 11/09/2025
Erie County Legislator St. Jean Tard is adding her name to the call for an outside investigation into the Granville case.
buffalonews.com
Another elected official wants state attorney general to investigate Granville case
Add Erie County Legislator Taisha St. Jean Tard to the growing list of elected leaders asking that the New York State Attorney General Letitia James investigate the Granville case as public pressure mounts.
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Josh Cohen @jcohenwrites.bsky.social · 25/08/2025
Ahead of this weekend's Revive in 25 event in Gas Works Park, Dominick Bonny took a deep dive into Sean Feucht's background, ideology, and right wing political affiliations and the provocative Christian nationalist playbook he uses www.cascadepbs.org/news/2025/08...
cascadepbs.org
How Seattle fits into the modern Christian Nationalist playbook
Stoking outrage in progressive cities is part of the game plan for evangelical preachers like Sean Feucht, whose influence has been steadily growing.
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Erich Weyant 🏳️‍🌈 🫏 @erichweyant.bsky.social · 24/08/2025
I first walked into the Rath Building in the early ’90s, a young gay man unsure if government had room for me. Today I help lead the Legislature that decides how it serves all of us. I shared some of that journey, along with a few behind-the-scenes lessonson the Diamond Jim Radio Hour.
podcasts.apple.com
Diamond Jim Radio Hour - Ep 9 - Erich Weyant
Podcast Episode · The Square Podcast · 2025-08-21 · 1h 26m
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Cacho @cachobweeney.bsky.social · 17/08/2025
Tariffs create dysfunction and unintended consequences... we are moving into the FO phase this Fall.
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Sandra Tan @sandratan.bsky.social · 11/08/2025
There aren't many people who can make county sewage treatment sound interesting. But I know a guy. buffalonews.com/news/local/a...
buffalonews.com
Why upgrades to one Erie County sewage plant could cost more than $200 million, and who pays
Erie County's Southtowns sewage treatment plant is undergoing its first major expansion in 45 years at a potential cost of more than $200 million. That has implications for certain taxpayers.
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Aaron Rupar @atrupar.com · 04/08/2025
Hochul: "This is a war. We are at war. And that's why the gloves are off and I say, bring it on."
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Sandra Tan @sandratan.bsky.social · 04/08/2025
We have stories going back 20 years of @eriecounty.bsky.social trying to sell its sprawling Erie County Home nursing complex in Alden. So why have two men have finally decided to take the property and turn it into a cannabis growing operation? Find out here: buffalonews.com/news...
buffalonews.com
Deal to turn sprawling nursing home property in Alden into a marijuana farm was years in the making
Brothers Ryan and Luke Rich's vision of transforming an abandoned, Erie County-owned nursing home property into one of the most successful marijuana growing and distribution facilities in the state is taking shape.
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Robert Reich @rbreich.bsky.social · 03/08/2025
CEO pay is up 1,085% since 1978, while typical worker pay is up just 24%.  Why do we always hear "we can't afford to pay our workers more" but never "we can't afford to pay our CEO more"?
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Jack Hopkins-The Original @therealjackhopkins.bsky.social · 01/08/2025
Eric Holder gets it. Finally, someone’s echoing what I’ve been screaming for months: GOP map-rigging is a power-play...not policy. He sees the same threat so many of us have warned about...so let’s ride his voice...expose the fraud...fight for fair maps. No more mamba-pamby BS.
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Boehlert Media Busters @mediabusters6.bsky.social · 29/07/2025
Essential reading on the suicide of Corporate Media by it’s greedy billionaire bastard owners Hitler shut down all free press These assholes shut themselves down! Why? $$$ Bravo @freepress.bsky.social www.freepress.net/who-owns-med... 2- thx @sulliview.bsky.social open.substack.com/pub/margaret...
freepress.net
Who Owns the Media
Who owns the 35 most powerful media companies in America? Learn how these giants came to dominate the U.S. media landscape through mergers, acquisition and manipulation. Free Press rates their ability...
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Hank Green @hankgreen.bsky.social · 28/07/2025
I doubt that there is a single family in America that hasn’t benefitted directly from the NIH.
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Erich Weyant 🏳️‍🌈 🫏 @erichweyant.bsky.social · 24/07/2025
‪@genesperling.bsky.social‬ calls it: Middle-class families lose big under this plan. A $65K construction worker ends up $3,160 in the red after meager tax cuts are swamped by tariff hikes and health premium spikes. A $32K hairdresser? Nearly $2k worse off. Higher costs, not help, is their agenda.
washingtonpost.com
Opinion | Republicans are adding health care taxes — but not on the rich
It’s not too late for Congress to extend existing tax breaks for working families.
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Erich Weyant 🏳️‍🌈 🫏 @erichweyant.bsky.social · 24/07/2025
This property has been a white elephant for the county for years, great to see it being put to use and returned to the tax rolls.
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Robert Reich @rbreich.bsky.social · 23/07/2025
UnitedHealth allegedly misused AI to deny medical claims. Delta plans to use AI to set individualized flight ticket prices for passengers. AI data centers from companies like Meta and X are reportedly harming nearby residents. The list of harms from AI goes on and yet...
nytimes.com
Trump Administration Plans to Give A.I. Developers a Free Hand
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Sylvia at Tono Latino @tonolatino.bsky.social · 23/07/2025
🚨 Scoop: Roy Cooper will announce a Senate bid before next month, multiple sources tell Axios Democrats will land their top recruit of the cycle. Cooper, a popular former governor, will boost Democrats' chances in NC. www.axios.com/2025/07/23/r...
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Jack Hopkins-The Original @therealjackhopkins.bsky.social · 22/07/2025
When you're tired...rest. But while you're resting? Plan. Line up your next move. Because quitting is how they win. Action is how you win. How WE win. Every damn day is an election...so treat it like one. Wake up. Show up. Move the needle. No excuses. No surrender. Together...we have power.
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Kyle Griffin @kylegriffin1.bsky.social · 22/07/2025
Breaking from the Office of Pres. Obama: "Our office does not normally dignify the constant nonsense and misinformation flowing out of this White House with a response. But these claims are outrageous enough to merit one. These bizarre allegations are ridiculous and a weak attempt at distraction.
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The New Yorker @newyorker.com · 19/07/2025
Men often wanted Joni Mitchell to be a wife, a muse, a siren, or a star. Instead they got a genius.
nyer.cm
Joni Mitchell’s Openhearted Heroism
She made the best music of her generation by falling in love, over and over, while defending her sense of self.
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Noah Lanard @nlanard.bsky.social · 19/07/2025
A sister as well as a friend of Neri Alvarado Borges confirm that he is now back in Venezuela. Neri's wrongful imprisonment attracted international attention. He is the 25-year-old with an autism awareness ribbon tattooed on his leg. This is him leaving the plane.
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Allison Gill @muellershewrote.com · 18/07/2025
The Paramount - Skydance merger will be worthless if no one is watching. Independent media is doing to corporate media what independent music did to major labels back in the day. Fuck with the people at your own risk, oligarchs.
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Erich Weyant 🏳️‍🌈 🫏 @erichweyant.bsky.social · 17/07/2025
Great coverage of discussions during the Erie County Legislature’s mid-year budget hearings.
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Alberto Resists 🏳️‍🌈 🦋 @alberto-resists.bsky.social · 15/07/2025
Preach, sister
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CrazyMyra @outonthemoors.bsky.social · 13/07/2025
The Blackbird of Annoyance has replaced the Bluebird of Happiness in my life
A black bird stands on some cracked concrete, looking upwards at camera. The angle, its stance and its plumage - white eyes are the only let-up from the black - makes the bird look thoroughly pissed off
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Clara Jeffery @clarajeffery.bsky.social · 11/07/2025
The FDA is going to stop testing milk for pathogens like I DON'T KNOW, BIRD FLU???? These people are actively trying to kill us. www.reuters.com/business/hea...
reuters.com
US FDA suspends milk quality tests amid workforce cuts
The Food and Drug Administration is suspending a quality control program for testing of fluid milk and other dairy products due to reduced capacity in its food safety and nutrition division, according to an internal email seen by Reuters.
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Dr. Lucky Tran @luckytran.com · 08/07/2025
BREAKING: Scientists are staging a “science fair” in the lobby of a Congressional building to tell elected officials about the critical knowledge the US will lose because their research grants have been canceled.
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Jean-Christophe Goris 🇳🇱🇿🇦🇪🇺🇺🇦💙 The Cheese Whisperer @jcgoris.bsky.social · 06/07/2025
Every country should pass this law
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