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Javier Balmaceda

@jbalmaceda787.bsky.social
208 followers 159 following 50 posts

Puerto Rico policy analyst at @centeronbudget.bsky.social. Former finance reporter at Debtwire Municipals. Alum of UChicago UChile & Williams College. Made in 🇵🇷 Views my own

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Reposted by Javier Balmaceda
Katie Bergh @katiebergh.bsky.social · 20/02/2026
The House Agriculture Committee's farm bill proposal fails to address the unfolding hunger crisis as the Republican megabill (H.R. 1)’s unprecedented #SNAP cuts go into effect. But the bill also falls short in other important ways. Let’s dig into some examples. 🧵
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Reposted by Javier Balmaceda
Kathleen Romig @kathleenromig.bsky.social · 11/02/2026
Notably, Puerto Rico doesn't have Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits for low-income elderly and disabled people like those of us who live on the mainland, but instead has a much, much stingier program. www.cbpp.org/research/aid...
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Javier Balmaceda @jbalmaceda787.bsky.social · 11/02/2026
After Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl performance at #SuperBowlLX, everyone’s talking about #PuertoRico. But here’s what many might not know about how federal policy affects the territory 🧵👇
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Javier Balmaceda @jbalmaceda787.bsky.social · 21/11/2025
Stock price nosediving today by 16% for New Fortress Energy, which manages power generation in #PuertoRico, after the firm warned it may seek bankruptcy protection if other restructuring options fall through. The disclosure was made in NFE's latest 10-Q. www.marketscreener.com/news/new-for...
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Javier Balmaceda @jbalmaceda787.bsky.social · 19/11/2025
S&P today downgraded New Fortress Energy, which manages key power generation in #PuertoRico, to selective default after the company missed a Nov. 17 interest payment and entered a forbearance deal on its 2029 secured notes. www.spglobal.com/ratings/en/r...
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Javier Balmaceda @jbalmaceda787.bsky.social · 30/10/2025
New Fortress Energy, whose subsidiary oversees energy generation in #PuertoRico, is considering filing for bankruptcy in the United Kingdom to take advantage of a cheaper restructuring process than Chapter 11 in the U.S. subscriber.politicopro.com/article/eene...
subscriber.politicopro.com
E&E News: New Fortress Energy mulls UK restructuring over Chapter 11
The company has been struggling with delayed projects that have hurt its cash flow and increased pressure on its already distressed debt.
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Javier Balmaceda @jbalmaceda787.bsky.social · 04/10/2025
1/2 A federal judge today ruled that Pres. Trump unlawfully removed three #PuertoRico Oversight Board members—Arthur Gonzalez, Andrew Biggs & Betty Rosa—since they were dismissed without cause under PROMESA. The members had filed suit Sept. 18. #muniland www.nytimes.com/2025/10/03/u...
nytimes.com
Judge Says Trump Wrongly Removed Puerto Rico Oversight Board Members
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Javier Balmaceda @jbalmaceda787.bsky.social · 02/10/2025
1/2 Sen. Wyden of the US Senate Finance Committee today published new findings indicating that Pantera Capital's Dan Morehead, a crypto billionaire based in #PuertoRico, may have improperly avoided more than $100M in federal taxes through a purported residency scam.
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Javier Balmaceda @jbalmaceda787.bsky.social · 01/10/2025
1/2 On Day 1 of the federal gov't shutdown, the Energy Dept confirms the reallocation of $365 million to address #PuertoRico’s grid crisis. Originally awarded for rooftop solar & battery installations, the funds will be distributed through PREPA, though exact use remains unclear.
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Javier Balmaceda @jbalmaceda787.bsky.social · 19/09/2025
DC Circuit Appeals Court today rejected a challenge by environmental groups to a natural gas pipeline built by New Fortress Energy in #PuertoRico. The pipeline was constructed without explicit approval from FERC, whose full review is still pending. media.cadc.uscourts.gov/opinions/doc...
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Javier Balmaceda @jbalmaceda787.bsky.social · 19/09/2025
Worth highlighting: The Heritage Foundation yesterday issued a statement applauding #PuertoRico’s $4B deal with New Fortress Energy to supply PR with natural gas for 7 years. The agreement includes a 3-year extension option & still requires OBoard approval. www.heritage.org/press/herita...
heritage.org
Heritage Foundation Applauds Deal Between Puerto Rico and New Fortress Energy
WASHINGTON—The Heritage Foundation congratulates Puerto Rico and New Fortress Energy for reaching an agreement to provide up to 75 trillion British thermal units a year (TBtu) of natural gas for seven...
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Reposted by Javier Balmaceda
Rachel I. Jacobson @rachelijacobson.bsky.social · 26/06/2025
Like the House bill, the Senate reconciliation package would supercharge fossil fuel extraction & use, increase energy costs, and worsen exposure to dangerous climate impacts. Read on for details.
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Reposted by Javier Balmaceda
Shelby Gonzales @shelbytgonzales.bsky.social · 30/04/2025
This week, Pres. Trump issued several anti-immigrant Executive Orders including one that aims to withhold funding from states & localities it deems uncooperative with federal immigration enforcement efforts & designates as Sanctuary Jurisdictions www.whitehouse.gov/presidential...
whitehouse.gov
Protecting American Communities from Criminal Aliens
By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, it is hereby ordered: Section 1. Purpose and
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Reposted by Javier Balmaceda
Kathleen Romig @kathleenromig.bsky.social · 15/04/2025
The Trump Administration has made a shocking claim: that it can declare living people dead to cut off their access to government benefits and the broader U.S. financial system. Thread on my colleagues’ new blog 🧵 www.cbpp.org/blog/trump-a...
cbpp.org
Trump and DOGE Claim Power to Falsely List Living Persons as Dead in Social Security Records | Center on Budget and Policy Priorities
The Trump Administration has made a shocking claim: that it can declare living people dead to cut off their access to government benefits and the broader U.S. financial system. According to reporting....
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Javier Balmaceda @jbalmaceda787.bsky.social · 11/04/2025
1/2 Un pacto insólito. La mayoría republicana en la Cámara federal ha aprobado una resolución presupuestaria que pretende dar trillones en recortes contributivos a la gente más rica, a cambio de aplicar recortes masivos en Medicaid, SNAP y financiación de préstamos estudiantiles.
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Javier Balmaceda @jbalmaceda787.bsky.social · 10/04/2025
1/2 #PuertoRico's economic growth is slowing & by some measures it's already contracting. Planning Board has lowered prior GDP growth estimates for FY25 & FY26 to 1.1% & 0.5%, respectively. Moody's & Oversight Board have less optimistic outlook, forecasting contractions for FY25.
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Reposted by Javier Balmaceda
Sharon Parrott @sharonparrott.bsky.social · 08/04/2025
A welcome headline, as there is so much to oppose: the Senate budget resolution is deeply flawed as it opens the door to making it harder for people to afford groceries & access healthcare – at the worst possible time as the risk of recession & price hikes rise. thehill.com/homenews/hou...
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Reposted by Javier Balmaceda
Mikaela Tajo @mtajo.bsky.social · 03/04/2025
At CBPP we've been tracking the impacts of recent administrative actions that are hurting communities most impacted by climate change: www.cbpp.org/research/fed... Who will be hurt most? Read more below:
cbpp.org
EPA's Gutting of Pollution and Climate Regulations Will Hurt Communities that Need Them Most | Center on Budget and Policy Priorities
March 12, 2025: EPA Administrator Zeldin announced that the agency will be reconsidering 31 rules and regulations, including those related to:
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Javier Balmaceda @jbalmaceda787.bsky.social · 01/04/2025
1/ While new information surfaces that New Fortress is looking to further expand its LNG operation in #PuertoRico in the southern municipality of Ponce, Moody's is downgrading the company's legacy notes & senior loans deeper into junk rating territory.
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Reposted by Javier Balmaceda
Sharon Parrott @sharonparrott.bsky.social · 14/03/2025
The Senate has passed the deeply flawed House R funding bill. It’s far from “clean”— but the single most important fact now is this: The CR has set in law full-year funding levels that make clear the Administration's impoundments & mass firings remain illegal. Period.
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Reposted by Javier Balmaceda
Mike Leachman @mleachm.bsky.social · 10/03/2025
The House may vote as soon as tomorrow on a federal government funding bill that contains a hidden, devastating surprise for the District of Columbia: a requirement that DC drastically slash its budget halfway through the fiscal yr, causing immediate cuts to police, schools, transportation & more.
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Reposted by Javier Balmaceda
Center on Budget and Policy Priorities @centeronbudget.bsky.social · 18/02/2025
CBPP's Samantha Jacoby on the House Budget Resolution amendment that opens the door for even deeper budget cuts: x.com/jacsamoby/st...
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Javier Balmaceda @jbalmaceda787.bsky.social · 12/02/2025
#PuertoRico non-profit Espacios Abiertos today issued a follow-up report denouncing the excessive costs of OBoard consultants: $2BN & counting. In 2016, the Congressional Budget Office had estimated that Board admin costs wouldn't exceed $370M over 10 yrs. espaciosabiertos.org/the-cost-of-...
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Reposted by Javier Balmaceda
Kathleen Romig @kathleenromig.bsky.social · 10/02/2025
👀 Something for people who care about Social Security to watch for: the Trump Admin is looking to drastically reduce federal building space. Social Security Administration (SSA) offices across the nation may be affected, harming retirees, people w/ disabilities & survivors. Details ⬇️
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Javier Balmaceda @jbalmaceda787.bsky.social · 07/02/2025
Yesterday S&P further downgraded New Fortress Energy—from B+ to B— on weak liquidity & high leverage. S&P has flagged high uncertainty around a $500M-$659M FEMA payment based on renegotiated power contracts w/ the #PuertoRico Electric Power Authority. disclosure.spglobal.com/ratings/en/r...
disclosure.spglobal.com
S&P Global Ratings
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Reposted by Javier Balmaceda
Gbenga Ajilore @gbenga-ajilore.bsky.social · 07/02/2025
Happy #JobsDay! My first post-admin and the first report of the year. Let’s get it! (1/8)
media.tenor.com
a woman is sitting at a desk with a laptop and a monitor behind her .
ALT: a woman is sitting at a desk with a laptop and a monitor behind her .
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Reposted by Javier Balmaceda
Ty Jones Cox @tyjonescox.bsky.social · 05/02/2025
With some Republicans considering cuts & harmful policy changes to #SNAP this year, let’s take a closer look at SNAP’s links to better health & lower health care costs.
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Reposted by Javier Balmaceda
Katie Bergh @katiebergh.bsky.social · 06/02/2025
Some Republican lawmakers are considering harmful cuts & policy changes to #SNAP this year. But these proposals wouldn’t only harm low-income people who need SNAP to afford groceries. They could also weaken SNAP’s effectiveness in supporting jobs & the broader economy. 🧵
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Javier Balmaceda @jbalmaceda787.bsky.social · 03/02/2025
The head of #PuertoRico's Electric Power Auth says PR needs yet another major fossil fuel power plant —preferably natural gas— in addition to the 478MW natural gas plant (aka Energiza) that is under development & expected to come online in 2028. www.elnuevodia.com/noticias/loc...
elnuevodia.com
Jefa de la AEE opina que es necesaria otra planta de generación fósil para estabilizar el sistema
Mary Carmen Zapata indicó que estudios previos resaltan la conveniencia de una instalación nueva en el sur de Puerto Rico
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Reposted by Javier Balmaceda
Kathleen Romig @kathleenromig.bsky.social · 31/01/2025
OPM’s “deferred resignation” email to federal employees this week triggered more chaos & uncertainty. If it hollows out the civil service, it will harm ppl’s ability to access benefits & services-even those the Trump Admin purports to protect. Case in point: the Social Security Administration. 1/
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Javier Balmaceda @jbalmaceda787.bsky.social · 01/02/2025
On Tuesday, New Fortress posted a presentation tied to a potential refinancing. #PuertoRico operation among highlights, incl. recently signed 20yr gas contract. Importantly, forecasts assume NFE further increases gas volumes thru sales agreement w/ PREPA ir.newfortressenergy.com/static-files...
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Javier Balmaceda @jbalmaceda787.bsky.social · 30/01/2025
So much natural gas is expected to flow to #PuertoRico that Crowley has purchased a 130,400-cbm LNG tanker to transport the fossil fuel to the archipelago. It is, in fact, the first LNG ship to be reflagged to the US through a Jones Act loophole. www.tradewindsnews.com/gas/new-crow...
tradewindsnews.com
New Crowley vessel set to make history as first LNG ship to be reflagged to US under Jones Act loophole
Vessel lined up for US-Puerto Rico trading after purchase by US owner
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Reposted by Javier Balmaceda
Joanna LeFebvre @joannalefebvre.bsky.social · 30/01/2025
Another example of this administration's priorities: subsidizing wealthy families who already send their children to private school at the expense of the 90% of students who attend public schools. www.usatoday.com/story/news/e...
usatoday.com
Trump signs executive order bolstering school choice
President Donald Trump on Wednesday signed an executive order directing federal agencies to find ways to favor school choice programs.
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Reposted by Javier Balmaceda
Katie Bergh @katiebergh.bsky.social · 29/01/2025
New reports that Republican lawmakers are considering further expanding SNAP’s harsh and ineffective work requirement to apply to parents of children 7 and older. This policy won't support work—but it will hurt kids & make it harder for low-income families to afford groceries.
politico.com
Work requirements gain favor with House Republicans
Speaker Mike Johnson called the safety-net strictures a “very popular measure.”
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Reposted by Javier Balmaceda
Sarah Lueck @sarahl202.bsky.social · 29/01/2025
Today, HHS Secretary Nominee Robert F Kennedy Jr. is set to appear in the Senate. One area to watch: What is his position on the future of #Medicaid and marketplaces, which together cover nearly 100 million people, helped shrink the uninsured rate, and improved access to care?
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Reposted by Javier Balmaceda
Center on Budget and Policy Priorities @centeronbudget.bsky.social · 22/01/2025
Around 40 million people and families rely on #SNAP. Republican proposals to cut SNAP could take food away from many, increasing hunger for millions across the country. www.cbpp.org/research/fed...
Graphic showing the Republican policy agenda, emphasizing the detrimental cuts to critical benefits for millions of citizens.
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Javier Balmaceda @jbalmaceda787.bsky.social · 23/01/2025
🧵 Families in #PuertoRico & #AmericanSamoa would see a substantial drop in food assistance from cuts to #SNAP some Republicans are considering this year. www.cbpp.org/research/foo...
cbpp.org
Republican SNAP Proposals Could Take Food Away From Millions of Low-Income Individuals and Families | Center on Budget and Policy Priorities
Prominent Republican lawmakers and conservative think tanks have proposed cuts and other harmful policy changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program that could gain traction in Congress th...
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Javier Balmaceda @jbalmaceda787.bsky.social · 23/01/2025
Worth noting, El Nuevo Día's editorial last week supporting #PuertoRico's transition to more natural gas has one colossal error: it states natural gas is considered renewable energy in the US. This is simply not true, regardless of natural gas' merits & demerits. www.elnuevodia.com/english/edit...
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Javier Balmaceda @jbalmaceda787.bsky.social · 23/01/2025
In case there were any doubts, #PuertoRico's energy compass points towards natural gas. New Fortress yesterday announced the execution of a 20-year gas supply agreement w/ Energiza to provide nat gas to a 478 MW power plant being developed in San Juan. ir.newfortressenergy.com/news-release...
ir.newfortressenergy.com
New Fortress Energy Signs Gas Supply Agreement with Energiza in Puerto Rico | New Fortress Energy
NEW YORK --(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 22, 2025-- New Fortress Energy Inc. (NASDAQ: NFE) (“NFE”) today announced the execution of a 20-year gas supply agreement (“GSA”) with Energiza to provide natural gas ...
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Reposted by Javier Balmaceda
Sarah Lueck @sarahl202.bsky.social · 08/01/2025
Great news that nearly 24m people have health coverage through the marketplaces. As Sen. Murkowski recently told AK press, "...you’ve got a lot of folks that have seen some real relief." But this would be at risk if Congress lets tax credit improvements expire. www.nytimes.com/2025/01/08/u...
nytimes.com
Obamacare Enrollment Hits Record Ahead of Trump’s Return
Almost 24 million Americans have signed up for plans offered under the Affordable Care Act, driven by subsidies that are expiring and that Congress may not renew.
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Javier Balmaceda @jbalmaceda787.bsky.social · 03/01/2025
Emboldened by yet another win against #PuertoRico's OBoard, PREPA bondholders say they intend to "vigorously litigate" absent a global settlement. On Dec 31, the 1st Circuit Appeals Court rejected a 3rd OBoard appeal on PREPA bondholder liens. www.businesswire.com/news/home/20... #muniland
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Javier Balmaceda @jbalmaceda787.bsky.social · 31/12/2024
Most of #PuertoRico will wave 2024 goodbye in darkness. Another massive blackout, another exasperating reason to call for systemic change. That this has become the norm is in itself a horrid aberration. PR has endured enough. PR deserves so much damn better.
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Javier Balmaceda @jbalmaceda787.bsky.social · 20/11/2024
1/3 Worth reiterating that New Fortress Energy, whose subsidiary Genera PR is in charge of electrical generation in #PuertoRico, is inching ever so closer to bankruptcy, particularly if NFE fails to refinance well over $2BN in debt coming due in the next five years. #muniland
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Javier Balmaceda @jbalmaceda787.bsky.social · 22/04/2024
🧵 1/7 #PuertoRico's Nutrition Assistance Program #NAP would be cut by more than $700M over the 2027-2033 period under the Farm Bill proposal that House Agriculture Committee Chair Glenn “GT” Thompson will reportedly unveil within the next few weeks. tinyurl.com/2cb8dzxe
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