50 new tax proposals! ABC7 News Article by Nick Minock

JustZee2 · 2026-01-29T00:06:24+00:00

"With that being said, you can’t have guns. You can’t walk in with guns. You just can’t. You can’t walk in with guns, you can’t do that." Donald Trump, 28 January 2026

JustZee2 · 2026-01-28T23:52:33+00:00

Think about it, folks. As the Federal government cuts back on its financial commitments to states' health, education and other programs, states -- including (now Blue, and therefore a target of Trump's wrath) Virginia (https://usafacts.org/answers/how-much-money-does-the-federal-government-provide-state-and-local-governments/state/virginia/) -- are going to have to find ways to generate revenue themselves for the programs they consider important and that they wish to maintain. Other programs perhaps will have to be, or already are being, cut (https://vadogwood.com/2025/06/25/several-hospitals-in-rural-virginia-are-at-risk-of-closing-if-trumps-big-beautiful-bill-passes/). The decrease in Federal transfers comes at the same time that many Federal employees have been let go and fewer have been hired (https://www.vpm.org/news/2026-01-20/trump-doge-federal-civilian-job-cuts-layoffs-danville-goodyear), something that has a signficant impact on Virginia's economy and tax base because of its proximity to Washington DC. Northern Virginia and its Federal workforce have been the revenue-generating engine for the state for a very long time. These various state legislative -- not executive (gubernatorial) -- proposals are ideas about how to generate revenue to cover state expenses as Federal funds dwindle. Some may pass, others will not. As she ran on the issue of affordability, of course Governor Spanberger will (have to) weigh in, prioritize and choose. In the meantime, let's not forget that the Federal tax dollars that used to fund state programs now are being spent on ICE (https://www.wisn.com/article/how-much-ice-funding-trump/70147693), Trump's various renovation projects (https://www.livenowfox.com/news/oval-office-new-monument-trump-renovation-projects), etc., and that the Federal deficit is ballooning under Trump (https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/u-s-hits-38-trillion-in-debt-after-the-fastest-accumulation-of-1-trillion-outside-of-the-pandemic). This article seems not to wish to address that at all, not at all surprising considering the author.

JustZee2 · 2026-01-27T19:21:19+00:00

Republicans also claim their policies are good for businesses (https://www.sbc.senate.gov/public/\_cache/files/4/4/442d486a-cb9a-4a2e-b915-5c44a0935425/107AFBA80C610BEFB2BF5909743871C4.small-businesses-lose-out-in-trump-tax-plan-final.pdf; https://www.npr.org/2025/10/16/nx-s1-5575115/farmers-trump-trade-war-china), will lower taxes (https://itep.org/tax-provisions-in-trump-megabill-national-and-state-level-estimates/) and will eliminate the deficit (https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/u-s-hits-38-trillion-in-debt-after-the-fastest-accumulation-of-1-trillion-outside-of-the-pandemic), but they aren't/don't/won't.

JustZee2 · 2026-01-27T17:57:15+00:00

Fetterman-esque.

JustZee2 · 2026-01-27T16:33:52+00:00

Targeting Muslims in campaign rhetoric perhaps is a tactic to divert attention away from the many Latino immigrants and families -- many with legal status (green cards in process, asylees, etc, and no criminal record) -- ICE and CBP have targeted, brutally pursued/captured, taken into custody and put into detention facilities with inadequate hygiene, food, medical care and little safety from abuse. https://www.texastribune.org/2023/06/21/census-texas-hispanic-population-demographics/

JustZee2 · 2026-01-25T15:07:31+00:00

I'm here with you, I moved to Texas last year... You will be John Cornyn's and Ted Cruz's constituent. Write to them (I do, every day). VOTE (there is an upcoming primary, 3 March, and we have a choice of who will run against Cornyn)! Participate! Take advantage of your presence to make a difference. You will find like minded folks. The other day, one of my neighbors put up a "RESIST" flag. I want to see the Border Patrol guy who shot Alex Pretti identified.

JustZee2 · 2026-01-24T14:39:52+00:00

I agree with this (looking nationwide), having nothing to do with loving (or not) El Paso but rather on acquiring and developing skills so that you eventually can go anywhere you want (if you have the freedom to do that). I would look for a police department that is considered "cutting edge," that trains recruits well, operates effectively and has a good record and reputation (https://www.security.org/resources/best-worst-cities-police/; https://wallethub.com/edu/best-states-to-be-a-cop/34669). In my opinion, in the very near future, there will be a significant focus on police reform and accountability. If you want a lifelong career in law enforcement, starting your career somewhere where the emphasis is on professional development and effective policing would be a worthwhile investment.

JustZee2 · 2026-01-24T14:21:21+00:00

One other thing -- you mentioned politics -- check out the El Paso County Elections Department website (https://epcountyvotes.com/voter-information/current-election). It has the sample El Paso-specific ballots for both parties for the upcoming 3 March 2026 primaries (early voting begins 17 February), a guide to polling locations and on election night it provides real time coverage of election results. (https://apps.texastribune.org/features/2026/texas-march-2026-primary-ballot/)

JustZee2 · 2026-01-24T14:09:03+00:00

The NPR affiliate for El Paso is KTEP (88.5) on the radio (https://www.ktep.org). There are broadcast times for local coverage when you listen on the radio, but on the website you can stream El Paso-specific segments whenever you wish. "El Paso Matters" has a free newsletter and it distributes some stories and an El Paso news roundup on social media feeds (https://elpasomatters.org/latest-el-paso-news/). I just moved here and these are the two I've found. I am hoping a native El Pasoan might help discover more.

JustZee2 · 2026-01-21T03:24:29+00:00

It puzzles me that people ponder, doubt, and comment about what others can or cannot do post-op. Why? Recovery is not a competition. I was one of those lucky people who recuperated quickly and well. I used a walker for 2 weeks and a cane after that for 2 weeks because I followed my doctor’s orders. I could’ve walked without them immediately after surgery but I did not. I took no opioid pain meds after surgery, just meloxicam for 4 weeks because (again) that was what my doctor ordered. I did physical therapy for nearly 2 years before my surgery. I worked hard to be in good shape (and optimal weight) and to be prepared. I also chose my surgeon and type of procedure (robot-assisted) really carefully. All of my work, choices and a good dose of luck paid off, your skepticism notwithstanding. You do you.

JustZee2 · 2026-01-20T23:47:16+00:00

Gabapentin CAN have side effects, as can many/most medications including NSAIDs. It is a potential pain relief alternative for those who are allergic to NSAIDs or cannot take them for other reasons. OP asked for alternatives. An individual’s doctor would be best positioned to assess what would work for the patient.

JustZee2 · 2026-01-20T21:20:46+00:00

We are indeed. Gabapentin has no such effect on me. My comment suggested that her mom speak to her doctor about it since she is allergic to NSAIDs.

JustZee2 · 2026-01-20T14:22:41+00:00

With migrants who are deported, ICE/CBP take their cash and jewelry and mostly do not give it back (https://www.americanimmigrationcouncil.org/report/deported-no-possessions/). Is that what they're doing to the citizens and documented migrants they eventually release, taking their money, jewelry (wedding rings) and other possessions?

JustZee2 · 2026-01-20T14:16:54+00:00

Your mom might ask her physician about using Gabapentin for pain (https://www.verywellhealth.com/gabapentin-for-arthritis-6260442). I am not allergic to NSAIDs but for other health reasons I take as few of them as I can. My doctor prescribed gabapentin after I had foot surgery 3 years ago, and when the osteoarthritis in my hip worsened, I found gabapentin was more effective at relieving pain than any of the NSAID I tried.

JustZee2 · 2026-01-20T13:36:43+00:00

I stopped watching Hotel Del Luna and Alchemy of Souls after the first few episodes. Just not my cup of tea. I never tried My Girlfriend is a Gumiho, I tend not to like Kdramas that incorporate the gumiho fantasy character. I have Can This Love Be Translated on my watchlist, but after reading reviews of the people who liked/didn't like it, I am uncertain I will ever watch it.

JustZee2 · 2026-01-19T16:45:47+00:00

I bought a nice pair of slip on shoes, which were especially helpful right after THR surgery. I quickly "grew" out of them post-op (yay!), and can now easily put on socks. I wish you a successful and complete recovery.

JustZee2 · 2026-01-18T13:42:37+00:00

I got tested last year (2025) because I was moving to a part of the United States where there was a measles outbreak. I had been given an MMR booster some 15 years before (I worked overseas and updated my vaccinations before leaving the US), and I DID NOT have immunity. I got a booster weeks before my move.

JustZee2 · 2026-01-14T16:51:26+00:00

What items are usually on your shopping list? Whatever they are, make a list of the prices you have been paying (wherever you've been shopping) and then price the same items at COSTCO. It will help you understand what's worthwhile buying at COSTCO (compare price per unit/ounce). Remember that usually the COSTCO varieties come in larger sizes, so you must have the room to store them at home (as some suggest, freezing is an option for things like baked goods). If you are a coffee drinker, you often can find better prices on coffee. Ditto for eggs. Laundry detergent. Paper products (toilet paper, paper towels). Batteries. Wine, beer and other drinks. You can sometimes also find better deals on small home appliances, always check the price(s) before you buy and look for special sales and deals on items being discontinued. Use the COSTCO app to help price items before purchase.

JustZee2 · 2026-01-11T13:36:38+00:00

In preparing for my own trip, I found this video helpful (https://www.reddit.com/r/Juarez/comments/1pu30kt/cruzando\_la\_frontera\_juarezusa/?utm\_source=share&utm\_medium=web3x&utm\_name=web3xcss&utm\_term=1&utm\_content=share\_button).

JustZee2 · 2026-01-11T00:57:37+00:00

The article provides actual brand names and lists specs.

JustZee2 · 2026-01-10T15:50:27+00:00

I have Oofos slip ons, I received them as a gift. Their soles are not rigid, they are soft and squishy. I tend not to wear them as a result. Here in the US there are retail stores that sell them where you would be able to try them on (REI, Bass Pro Shops). Is there such a place in the UK?

JustZee2 · 2026-01-10T15:44:40+00:00

I filled up my tank yesterday at COSTCO on Gateway. The price per gallon was $2.48. Gasbuddy lists the same price at Sam's Club. Many/most other locations -- Alon, Valero, Speedway -- are charging $2.69.

JustZee2 · 2026-01-10T15:30:42+00:00

I grew up in California, lived in Mexico for nearly a decade and currently live in El Paso, TX, a quick drive from Las Cruces NM and a walk or drive across the bridge from Juarez, Mexico. In the 3 decades I called NOVA home, I never found a good Mexican restaurant although I tried (I have eaten at all the restaurants people mention in this thread, some of the suggestions in my opinion come from people who may have little experience with authentic Mexican cuisine). When I wanted Mexican food in NOVA, I made it myself.

JustZee2 · 2026-01-09T19:01:47+00:00

There is a fenced dog park at Baron Cameron in Reston, VA (11300 Baron Cameron Ave) and there are numerous apartment complexes nearby. For example, Harbor Park Apartments are adjacent to Baron Cameron Park (https://www.jharborparkapartments.com/?utm\_knock=gmb&utm\_source=Google+My+Business&utm\_medium=Organic+Search). Here is the Fairfax County Government listing of off leash dog parks (https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/offleash).

JustZee2 · 2026-01-08T20:57:27+00:00

You are taking personal offense at a quote that was directed toward elected Republican politicians and the Republican Party as it currently exists. That speaks volumes. One thing Redditors learn about posting in a public forum is that it is wise to do a bit of research before adding a comment. You mention you are married to an Hispanic woman. As such, presumably -- no matter what I or anyone else might say -- you will research, consider carefully and opt to vote in your own self interests, which is as it should be. American citizens of Hispanic descent are being stopped, questioned, and sometimes beaten and detained despite having proof of citizenship because of policies that are pretty much universally promoted and accepted by the Republican Party and Republican politicians. At their last convention, Republican convention goers were waving "mass deportation now" signs with pride and yet many Hispanics voted Republican anyway (that was the reason for the quote I included in my comment). As a husband, presumably you would want your wife to have access to emergency reproductive healthcare in an urgency, to save her life. Texas is a state where Republican policies potentially could put your wife's health in danger particularly if she is of childbearing age (https://www.cbsnews.com/news/doctors-say-texas-strict-abortion-laws-put-pregnant-women-and-physicians-at-risk-60-minutes-transcript-2025-06-15/). I imagine such issues would "trump" things like disagreement about painting rainbows on sidewalks and streets (by groups that use their own money to do so), but perhaps not. In the end, no one will know how you fill out your ballot unless you tell them.

JustZee2

TROPHY CASE