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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
Advocates have long said this is an equity issue. #PuertoRico needs and should have full and equitable access to federal programs. Learn more here: www.cbpp.org/research/fed...
cbpp.org
Puerto Rico Needs and Should Have Full and Equitable Access to All Federal Economic and Health Security Programs
Members of the Puerto Rico Advisory Committee, thank you for today’s opportunity to testify on Puerto Rico’s inequitable access to some of the most important economic and health security programs...
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Javier Balmaceda @jbalmaceda787.bsky.social · 11/02/2026
Additionally, the maximum SNAP benefit level for a single-person household in Puerto Rico is $183 compared to $291 for citizens in the states.
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Javier Balmaceda @jbalmaceda787.bsky.social · 11/02/2026
Let’s take SNAP, for example: A single-person household in Puerto Rico needing food assistance must have a monthly net income under $691 to receive benefits, compared to $1,251 under SNAP in the states.
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Javier Balmaceda @jbalmaceda787.bsky.social · 11/02/2026
Puerto Rico faces significant economic challenges, including higher poverty rates and long-standing underinvestment. Residents contribute to the federal system, yet access to key federal programs like #SNAP and #Medicaid is often capped or restricted.
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Javier Balmaceda @jbalmaceda787.bsky.social · 11/02/2026
Puerto Rico, a territory with approximately 3.2 million American citizens, has limited representation in Congress, with no voting members in the House or Senate. This shapes decisions on taxes, budgets, and federal programs.
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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
2/2 Back in August, President Trump removed six of the seven members of the #PuertoRico Oversight Board, leaving the body with just one member. The judge’s preliminary injunction effectively reinstates the three plaintiffs.
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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
2/2 2/2 Sen. Wyden’s findings are part of a broader probe into wealthy Americans using #PuertoRico tax breaks like Act 60. Back in January, Sen. Wyden had sought details on $850M in profits Morehead made after relocating to PR in 2020. Full release: www.finance.senate.gov/ranking-memb...
finance.senate.gov
Wyden Unveils Investigation of Crypto Billionaire’s Tax Scheme Involving Puerto Rico Residency Scam | The United States Senate Committee on Finance
Wyden Unveils Investigation of Crypto Billionaire’s Tax Scheme Involving Puerto Rico Residency Scam
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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
2/2 The Energy Dept had announced its intent to reallocate the funds back in May. May press release: www.energy.gov/articles/ene... Today's press release: www.energy.gov/articles/ene...
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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
2/2 Por si fuera poco, los aranceles que rigen en este momento, que están en su punto más elevado en 100 años, impactan con mayor severidad a las familias de clase media y de ingresos bajos. www.cbpp.org/press/statem... www.cbpp.org/research/fed...
cbpp.org
Republican Agenda’s “Triple Threat” to Low- and Moderate-Income Family Well-Being | Center on Budget and Policy Priorities
This three-part agenda — legislation, executive action, and tariffs — will reduce the living standards and raise costs for millions of families with modest incomes while helping pave the way for tax c...
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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
2/2 Moody's & OBoard predict that #PuertoRico's economy will be stagnant over the next 10yrs & sustained largely by fed funds, making the Trump Admin's cuts particularly troubling for PR. 1 www.elnuevodia.com/negocios/eco... 2 www.elnuevodia.com/english/busi... 3 drive.google.com/file/d/1XBIt...
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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
2/ A recent investigation shows that NFE is looking to store & distribute LNG from a pier in Ponce that is dangerously close (<1km) to communities, hotels and a university. www.periodicolaperla.com/actualidad/n... All the while, NFE's credit ratings continue to fall. www.moodys.com/research/Moo...
periodicolaperla.com
New Fortress tramita trasbordo de GNL en bahía y muelle de Ponce
La multinacional New Fortress Energy está decidida a convertir a Ponce en destino industrial para la importación de gas natural licuado (GNL). Para conseguirlo ya ha asegurado el alquiler de terrenos ...
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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
Rather than pursuing punitive proposals that would hurt hundreds of thousands of #NAP participants, lawmakers should focus on permanently providing parity for the territories. www.cbpp.org/research/foo...
cbpp.org
How Does Household Food Assistance in Puerto Rico Compare to the Rest of the United States? | Center on Budget and Policy Priorities
While other major federal nutrition programs operate in Puerto Rico the same as in the states and territories, it is disadvantaged with respect to household food assistance.
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Javier Balmaceda @jbalmaceda787.bsky.social · 23/01/2025
In contrast to #SNAP's financing structure, which responds to need, the fed gov’t provides #PuertoRico & #AmericanSamoa w/ a fixed annual block grant for their #NAP programs. Funding constraints—not need—shape NAP benefits & eligibility, resulting in lower benefits than in SNAP.
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Javier Balmaceda @jbalmaceda787.bsky.social · 23/01/2025
Such a change would be highly damaging to families in #PuertoRico & #AmericanSamoa, two territories w/ acutely high poverty levels that are also subject to discriminatory federal funding constraints.
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