General Discussion

My husband is making the same amount was he was years ago when we were originally able to get OFF food stamps, carry our own health insurance (including dental) and pay for all of our basic needs, car payments, car maintenance , and fun stuff like small basic vacations.

Now? We are are way way worse. We live in the same apartment, but rent skyrocketed, especially with COVID. We are back on food stamps and Medicaid and do not have dental care access (Medicaid dental is very limited here, especially for adults). Our food stamps were cut this year and we cannot afford enough groceries for our family ... and that includes making food pantry visits. My car is way out of inspection and in need of repairs. I've been driving with a stuck window (regulator is broken) for a year now, which is just amazing in the rain and freezing cold. My vent won't turn off. I can't afford oil changes as those are double the price as they were about 4 years ago. My kids know actual hunger. Utilities are too much. We can't afford basics like household supplies and clothing. I have a new job/career and I can't afford clothes for it or lunch to pack each day and I deal with hunger headaches because of it. My new job involves a lot of driving, which is hard because of the car's issues and gas prices. Kitty care is hard as well. My credit is the lowest it has ever been.

It's worse in other ways....both of my parents died since 2020 and my brother wants me dead and has committed to making sure I never feel safe. My CPTSD that I have had for a long time is way worse and was out of control for 2020 - 2023. Other mental illness worsened as well

That said, I have gotten into therapy. I made the move to get certified for a position in the mental health field. I started a new job in my career field just recently. I am starting to better manage CPTSD symptoms. I am still optimistic that someday it will get better. Oh, and my student loans were recently wiped! Thanks, Joe!!

Unlike many, I do not blame Joe Biden. I blame the GOP for doing everything to keep corporations in power and for voting against people. They are the ones that bolster the corporate greed that allows food prices and rent prices to rise out of control. They are the ones who cut SNAP and Medicaid and are happy to let kids starve.