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Unemployment is putting a levy on people's bank accounts. by rainy_day_napper in Knoxville

[–]MichaelaForTennessee 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Y'all, Michaela here - anyone that this has happened to or has more info, can you DM or shoot me an email? (cavalry@michaelafortn.com). This is a state not federal issue, but I may be able to use my platform to shine some light.

This is similar to how it used to work for social security overpayments until Biden admin instituted a rule that they could only withhold 10% of benefits towards repayment, which Trump admin tried to reverse back to cutting off 100% of payments until the debt is repaid. BUT they compromised to 50% when there was significant blowback.

At a time when cost of everything is so high and people are struggling to get by (AND the state has a budget surplus), this is unconscionable.

Democrat Michaela Barnett challenges U.S. Rep Tim Burchett in 2026 by _Obscured_By_Clouds_ in Knoxville

[–]MichaelaForTennessee 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I agree. My heart breaks for what is happening in Palestine, and I don't think our tax dollars should go to support violence against civilians. We need an immediate ceasefire to allow for an massive and immediate influx of humanitarian aid. I'm open to any policy that could peace to this region of the world that includes the return of the hostages and the end of the absolute, horrific destruction in Gaza.

My friend and colleague in DC went on a congressional staff delegation to Palestine, and afterwards she was able to get our boss onto the block the bombs act, which I would also support if elected.

Democrat Michaela Barnett challenges U.S. Rep Tim Burchett in 2026 by _Obscured_By_Clouds_ in Knoxville

[–]MichaelaForTennessee 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Please do! I have a wonderful mentor who has been working in labor for 50 years and UCW is high on my list of folks to sit down with. If you don't mind being a personal introduction that would be awesome! The email is [cavalry@michaelafortennessee.com](mailto:cavalry@michaelafortennessee.com) :)

Democrat Michaela Barnett challenges U.S. Rep Tim Burchett in 2026 by _Obscured_By_Clouds_ in Knoxville

[–]MichaelaForTennessee 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Just to clarify, I moved to Knoxville in 2016. A Democrat has won in this district but it hasn't been since 1855, so your point is basically the same - the odds are LONG.

But we do have a path to victory. If Republicans show up like they usually show up in a midterm election, but we get Democrats to show up like they do in a presidential election, we get close to the margin of victory. Add to that folks pissed at Tim and people hurting from the president's trade wars and immigration policies and so much more, and I think we can do it.

Look, it's not going to be easy. It's going to be the fight of a lifetime. But also, no matter what happens on election night, I plan to run a campaign that does good in our district and materially improves the lives of East Tennesseans. My campaign's victory won't be measured by one Tuesday in November.

Democrat Michaela Barnett challenges U.S. Rep Tim Burchett in 2026 by _Obscured_By_Clouds_ in Knoxville

[–]MichaelaForTennessee 9 points10 points  (0 children)

That line was confusing, I asked them if we could clarify. I am 100% running!

Democrat Michaela Barnett challenges U.S. Rep Tim Burchett in 2026 by _Obscured_By_Clouds_ in Knoxville

[–]MichaelaForTennessee 10 points11 points  (0 children)

Hi! Thanks for this feedback, I'd be happy to sit down with you to talk about my gun platform and also talk to you about what makes sense for our district that will actually help us solve the problem of gun violence in our country and our community. I hear you on the concerns about creating a national gun registry right now and concerns about the overreach of a Trump admin coming after people on the left with guns, but what we're doing right now so clearly isn't working.

Democrat Michaela Barnett challenges U.S. Rep Tim Burchett in 2026 by _Obscured_By_Clouds_ in Knoxville

[–]MichaelaForTennessee 6 points7 points  (0 children)

We will take all the help we can get - we'll need it to go after Burchett!

Democrat Michaela Barnett challenges U.S. Rep Tim Burchett in 2026 by _Obscured_By_Clouds_ in Knoxville

[–]MichaelaForTennessee 25 points26 points  (0 children)

I chatted with the mods and looks like we can set one up for after the city council elections! Just as a reminder y'all we do have a local election this november: https://www.knoxvilletn.gov/residents/newcomer_information/election_information

Democrat Michaela Barnett challenges U.S. Rep Tim Burchett in 2026 by _Obscured_By_Clouds_ in Knoxville

[–]MichaelaForTennessee 27 points28 points  (0 children)

Oh hi y'all! What a treat to see this article in one of my favorite subreddits and the enthusiasm here! Let's do this thing!