Matthew Borus
@matthewborus.bsky.social
Sociologist, social work faculty
Posting topics include community, disability, social welfare, Chicago, social movements, organizing, policy, the state, labor, coffee, and various nerdy side trips. Personal account
Posting topics include community, disability, social welfare, Chicago, social movements, organizing, policy, the state, labor, coffee, and various nerdy side trips. Personal account
Pinned
Matthew Borus
@matthewborus.bsky.social
· Feb 26
Cutting Medicaid and federal programs are among 4 key Trump administration policy changes that could make life harder for disabled people
Tracking disability policies has long been challenging − this will become a harder task under the Trump administration.
theconversation.com
New from me: A look at four (of many) areas where Trump and his GOP allies threaten to roll back disability policy:
-Disability rights at work
-Cuts to the federal workforce
-Education
-Health care, both in terms of the Affordable Care Act and Medicaid
Please check it out!
-Disability rights at work
-Cuts to the federal workforce
-Education
-Health care, both in terms of the Affordable Care Act and Medicaid
Please check it out!
Reposted by Matthew Borus
So interesting (derogatory) to see how anti-union mid-level administrators at my previous university are now uni presidents who are absent from even mild statements against Trump’s attack on higher ed.
Don’t trust a union-buster.
Don’t trust a union-buster.
May 9, 2025 at 2:31 PM
So interesting (derogatory) to see how anti-union mid-level administrators at my previous university are now uni presidents who are absent from even mild statements against Trump’s attack on higher ed.
Don’t trust a union-buster.
Don’t trust a union-buster.
Future historian: A segment of the population was taken in by Trump's rousing rhetoric, like his stirring call for "a little bit more tartar sauce."
And his promises to hurt people they hated.
And his promises to hurt people they hated.
Trump: "No matter who you are, everybody loves something at McDonald's. I like the fish. Khhhhh. I like it. You could do a little bit more tartar sauce though please. Seriously."
November 18, 2025 at 4:00 PM
Future historian: A segment of the population was taken in by Trump's rousing rhetoric, like his stirring call for "a little bit more tartar sauce."
And his promises to hurt people they hated.
And his promises to hurt people they hated.
Reposted by Matthew Borus
this but for every university endowment that we can make the new cover of their reports on integrating AI everywhere
Harvard's endowment now has almost $443 million invested in BlackRock's Bitcoin ETF
November 18, 2025 at 12:08 PM
this but for every university endowment that we can make the new cover of their reports on integrating AI everywhere
Reposted by Matthew Borus
it is almost as if accommodating and conceding to far right ideas legitimizes them and signals to voters that the far right is a legitimate choice for governance
The Danish Social Democrats are currently on course for their worst election result since at least the Second World War, despite their brand of far-right accommodationism being touted as a blueprint for other centre-left parties.
Oh
November 18, 2025 at 2:24 PM
it is almost as if accommodating and conceding to far right ideas legitimizes them and signals to voters that the far right is a legitimate choice for governance
Reposted by Matthew Borus
we should take teaching more seriously
Larry Summers tells @theharvardcrimson.bsky.social
he’s stepping back from all public commitments in light of his messages with Epstein, saying he is “deeply ashamed” and hopes “to rebuild trust and repair relationships.”
He will continue teaching.
www.thecrimson.com/article/2025...
he’s stepping back from all public commitments in light of his messages with Epstein, saying he is “deeply ashamed” and hopes “to rebuild trust and repair relationships.”
He will continue teaching.
www.thecrimson.com/article/2025...
November 18, 2025 at 1:27 AM
we should take teaching more seriously
Reposted by Matthew Borus
What’s sad is that as horrific as this Summers-Epstein chat is, it’s so common.
Almost every woman you know — myself included — has been on her side of this situation at some time or another in her career (minus the seeking advice from Epstein part, probably).
That’s why all this hits us so hard.
Almost every woman you know — myself included — has been on her side of this situation at some time or another in her career (minus the seeking advice from Epstein part, probably).
That’s why all this hits us so hard.
Summers said this woman saw him as a mentor. To try to manipulate that into sex is so horrifically predatory…
And then you add the wild power imbalance given his professional standing. And the 20+ year age difference.
And THEN you add that he sought advice on this from Epstein. In 2018.
Hideous.
And then you add the wild power imbalance given his professional standing. And the 20+ year age difference.
And THEN you add that he sought advice on this from Epstein. In 2018.
Hideous.
November 17, 2025 at 7:30 PM
What’s sad is that as horrific as this Summers-Epstein chat is, it’s so common.
Almost every woman you know — myself included — has been on her side of this situation at some time or another in her career (minus the seeking advice from Epstein part, probably).
That’s why all this hits us so hard.
Almost every woman you know — myself included — has been on her side of this situation at some time or another in her career (minus the seeking advice from Epstein part, probably).
That’s why all this hits us so hard.
I warn my students against reducing their analysis to monetary benefits and costs, but there is a wholly fiscal case for ending qualified immunity and reducing the number of police officers so that the city has money left for things other than these payouts.
Chicago must borrow $283.3 million to cover the soaring cost of lawsuits alleging Chicago police officers committed a wide range of misconduct — including wrongful convictions and improper pursuits — as part of the city’s 2026 budget, Mayor Brandon Johnson said.
Chicago Set to Borrow $283.3M to Resolve Police Misconduct Lawsuits
It will likely cost Chicago taxpayers approximately $52 million in interest to borrow that money and pay off during the next five years, according to estimates provided to the Chicago City Council by ...
news.wttw.com
November 17, 2025 at 3:10 PM
I warn my students against reducing their analysis to monetary benefits and costs, but there is a wholly fiscal case for ending qualified immunity and reducing the number of police officers so that the city has money left for things other than these payouts.
I really want to say "If my bubbe had wheels she'd be a bicycle" in response to an email from a student. It really fits and he'd appreciate it if he knows the saying, but if not it'll wildly distract from what I'm trying to teach.
So for now, I'm putting it here.
So for now, I'm putting it here.
November 17, 2025 at 2:56 PM
I really want to say "If my bubbe had wheels she'd be a bicycle" in response to an email from a student. It really fits and he'd appreciate it if he knows the saying, but if not it'll wildly distract from what I'm trying to teach.
So for now, I'm putting it here.
So for now, I'm putting it here.
Summers said this woman saw him as a mentor. To try to manipulate that into sex is so horrifically predatory…
And then you add the wild power imbalance given his professional standing. And the 20+ year age difference.
And THEN you add that he sought advice on this from Epstein. In 2018.
Hideous.
And then you add the wild power imbalance given his professional standing. And the 20+ year age difference.
And THEN you add that he sought advice on this from Epstein. In 2018.
Hideous.
November 17, 2025 at 6:44 AM
Summers said this woman saw him as a mentor. To try to manipulate that into sex is so horrifically predatory…
And then you add the wild power imbalance given his professional standing. And the 20+ year age difference.
And THEN you add that he sought advice on this from Epstein. In 2018.
Hideous.
And then you add the wild power imbalance given his professional standing. And the 20+ year age difference.
And THEN you add that he sought advice on this from Epstein. In 2018.
Hideous.
Reposting this to boost the work of the people who put the conference together (and to confirm that there is indeed good swag--my APPAM umbrella kept me dry, or at least dryer, in Seattle!).
How nice, thank you! The Program Committee (led by APPAM Pres-Elect Kosali Simon this year) does a really nice job putting together the sessions. And it's a ton of work--almost 2,600 submissions in 2025). Join us in Boston for #2026APPAM. We also have the best swag (and signature cocktails!)
November 16, 2025 at 8:52 PM
Reposting this to boost the work of the people who put the conference together (and to confirm that there is indeed good swag--my APPAM umbrella kept me dry, or at least dryer, in Seattle!).
I have to say: @appam.bsky.social, I did not know how cool you are.
The sessions I attended (mostly on disability policy) were collaborative and nicely put together. Discussant comments were insightful and helpful. And as a qualitative sociologist, I felt welcomed in an interdisciplinary space.
The sessions I attended (mostly on disability policy) were collaborative and nicely put together. Discussant comments were insightful and helpful. And as a qualitative sociologist, I felt welcomed in an interdisciplinary space.
November 16, 2025 at 7:39 PM
I have to say: @appam.bsky.social, I did not know how cool you are.
The sessions I attended (mostly on disability policy) were collaborative and nicely put together. Discussant comments were insightful and helpful. And as a qualitative sociologist, I felt welcomed in an interdisciplinary space.
The sessions I attended (mostly on disability policy) were collaborative and nicely put together. Discussant comments were insightful and helpful. And as a qualitative sociologist, I felt welcomed in an interdisciplinary space.
Reposted by Matthew Borus
THAT'S LITERALLY HOW THE SUBSIDIES & ACA EXCHANGES WORK ALREADY.
CONSUMERS ARE INFORMED BY COMPARING POLICIES ON THE ACA EXCHANGES, THEN THEY PURCHASE ONE AND THE GOVERNMENT PAYS SOME OR ALL OF THE COST OF THAT POLICY.
I'M TEARING THE LITTLE HAIR I HAVE ON MY HEAD OUT.
CONSUMERS ARE INFORMED BY COMPARING POLICIES ON THE ACA EXCHANGES, THEN THEY PURCHASE ONE AND THE GOVERNMENT PAYS SOME OR ALL OF THE COST OF THAT POLICY.
I'M TEARING THE LITTLE HAIR I HAVE ON MY HEAD OUT.
Cassidy: "The president is proposing that we take the $26b that would be going to insurance companies if we just do an extension and give it directly to the American people in which 100% of the money is used for them to purchase healthcare on their own terms. That makes them an informed consumer."
November 16, 2025 at 5:01 PM
THAT'S LITERALLY HOW THE SUBSIDIES & ACA EXCHANGES WORK ALREADY.
CONSUMERS ARE INFORMED BY COMPARING POLICIES ON THE ACA EXCHANGES, THEN THEY PURCHASE ONE AND THE GOVERNMENT PAYS SOME OR ALL OF THE COST OF THAT POLICY.
I'M TEARING THE LITTLE HAIR I HAVE ON MY HEAD OUT.
CONSUMERS ARE INFORMED BY COMPARING POLICIES ON THE ACA EXCHANGES, THEN THEY PURCHASE ONE AND THE GOVERNMENT PAYS SOME OR ALL OF THE COST OF THAT POLICY.
I'M TEARING THE LITTLE HAIR I HAVE ON MY HEAD OUT.
I read this quote from Year of the Tiger earlier today, and the loss of Alice Wong hit me anew.
“The real gift any person can give is a web of connective tissue. If we love fiercely, our ancestors live among and speak to us through these incandescent filaments glowing from the warmth of memories.”
“The real gift any person can give is a web of connective tissue. If we love fiercely, our ancestors live among and speak to us through these incandescent filaments glowing from the warmth of memories.”
November 16, 2025 at 5:49 AM
I read this quote from Year of the Tiger earlier today, and the loss of Alice Wong hit me anew.
“The real gift any person can give is a web of connective tissue. If we love fiercely, our ancestors live among and speak to us through these incandescent filaments glowing from the warmth of memories.”
“The real gift any person can give is a web of connective tissue. If we love fiercely, our ancestors live among and speak to us through these incandescent filaments glowing from the warmth of memories.”
How do you know when it’s time to call it a day at the end of a conference?
Well, I tried to go to a panel presentation that happened in this time slot two days ago.
Well, I tried to go to a panel presentation that happened in this time slot two days ago.
November 15, 2025 at 11:51 PM
How do you know when it’s time to call it a day at the end of a conference?
Well, I tried to go to a panel presentation that happened in this time slot two days ago.
Well, I tried to go to a panel presentation that happened in this time slot two days ago.
Had Andrew Scott ever had a bad performance?
The priest on Fleabag, Moriarty in Sherlock, Gethin in Pride…all amazing.
The priest on Fleabag, Moriarty in Sherlock, Gethin in Pride…all amazing.
November 15, 2025 at 8:31 PM
Had Andrew Scott ever had a bad performance?
The priest on Fleabag, Moriarty in Sherlock, Gethin in Pride…all amazing.
The priest on Fleabag, Moriarty in Sherlock, Gethin in Pride…all amazing.
Reposted by Matthew Borus
Marjorie Taylor Greene is an antisemite, I appreciate that she is going to do her damnedest to destroy the Republican Party and she is an antisemite. Please don’t welcome her to shit.
November 15, 2025 at 8:00 PM
Marjorie Taylor Greene is an antisemite, I appreciate that she is going to do her damnedest to destroy the Republican Party and she is an antisemite. Please don’t welcome her to shit.
Oh no! This is such a loss.
Heartbroken to hear of @sfdirewolf.bsky.social ‘s transition to be a crip anscestor AND feeling so honored to have been alive in the time as this brilliant human, and gotten to learn from her.
May her memory continue to always be a blessing.
May her memory continue to always be a blessing.
November 15, 2025 at 5:55 AM
Oh no! This is such a loss.
Reposted by Matthew Borus
Workers are asking customers not to buy coffee at any Starbucks location during their strike. Learn more: nocontractnocoffee.org
No Contract, No Coffee | Starbucks Workers United
Starbucks baristas brewing change. Join the movement for fair contracts, better wages, and worker protections.
nocontractnocoffee.org
November 15, 2025 at 12:29 AM
Workers are asking customers not to buy coffee at any Starbucks location during their strike. Learn more: nocontractnocoffee.org
Getting ready to teach a class over Zoom from my hotel room before walking to the conference hotel to deliver a paper.
A bit hectic but honestly I feel fortunate to get to do this.
A bit hectic but honestly I feel fortunate to get to do this.
November 14, 2025 at 6:50 PM
Getting ready to teach a class over Zoom from my hotel room before walking to the conference hotel to deliver a paper.
A bit hectic but honestly I feel fortunate to get to do this.
A bit hectic but honestly I feel fortunate to get to do this.
Reposted by Matthew Borus
And we knew this. This wasn't speculation. We studied it, we had the talking points. We trained volunteers to explain this to people. It's not a surprise. Rich people don't flee places with good quality of life when we increase the quality of life. They might try to cheat us, but they don't leave.
NEW: The first two years of Massachusetts' millionaire tax has raised $3 billion more than expected.
And rather than driving the rich away, IPS researchers found that the number of millionaires has *increased.*
Tax the rich. Greg Ryan in @bloomberg.com:
And rather than driving the rich away, IPS researchers found that the number of millionaires has *increased.*
Tax the rich. Greg Ryan in @bloomberg.com:
Millionaire Tax That Inspired Mamdani Fuels $5.7 Billion Haul in Massachusetts
A millionaire levy in Massachusetts that New York City mayoral frontrunner Zohran Mamdani holds up as a model for taxing the rich has generated $3 billion more in revenue than expected without forcing...
www.bloomberg.com
November 14, 2025 at 4:16 AM
And we knew this. This wasn't speculation. We studied it, we had the talking points. We trained volunteers to explain this to people. It's not a surprise. Rich people don't flee places with good quality of life when we increase the quality of life. They might try to cheat us, but they don't leave.
Reposted by Matthew Borus
“certified clean ingredients” is the slogan for this company (also a good example that “clean” literally does not actually mean anything)
BREAKING: Infant Formula Company Tied to Botulism Outbreak Had Known Problems
A Pennsylvania plant run by the company, ByHeart, was shut down this year after inspectors found mold, a leaking roof and more than 2,500 dead insects in a food production area.
GIFT: www.nytimes.com/2025/11/13/h...
A Pennsylvania plant run by the company, ByHeart, was shut down this year after inspectors found mold, a leaking roof and more than 2,500 dead insects in a food production area.
GIFT: www.nytimes.com/2025/11/13/h...
Infant Formula Company Tied to Botulism Outbreak Had Known Problems
www.nytimes.com
November 13, 2025 at 10:05 PM
“certified clean ingredients” is the slogan for this company (also a good example that “clean” literally does not actually mean anything)
Wow, if I were in Chicago, I would definitely head to UIC to see this.
Heck, if I were in Urbana or Madison, I’d see if I could get to this.
Heck, if I were in Urbana or Madison, I’d see if I could get to this.
chicago!
how can faculty make sense of the rapidly shifting economic and epistemic conditions for learning? how should faculty exercise governance and exert expertise over expensive partnerships between universities and technology companies?
join us for Theory At The Bargaining Table Dec 4!
how can faculty make sense of the rapidly shifting economic and epistemic conditions for learning? how should faculty exercise governance and exert expertise over expensive partnerships between universities and technology companies?
join us for Theory At The Bargaining Table Dec 4!
November 13, 2025 at 9:38 PM
Wow, if I were in Chicago, I would definitely head to UIC to see this.
Heck, if I were in Urbana or Madison, I’d see if I could get to this.
Heck, if I were in Urbana or Madison, I’d see if I could get to this.
1) This sounds like a violation of the Anti-Deficiency Act.
2) Every federal worker suffered over the past 7 weeks. But if we pay some groups faster than others, and if one if the ruler’s chief courtiers delivers the money like a personal gift…it’s bad.
Like, basic-modern-state bad. Weberian bad.
2) Every federal worker suffered over the past 7 weeks. But if we pay some groups faster than others, and if one if the ruler’s chief courtiers delivers the money like a personal gift…it’s bad.
Like, basic-modern-state bad. Weberian bad.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem handed $10,000 checks to more than 20 Houston TSA agents at George Bush Intercontinental Airport Thursday, thanking them for working through the 43-day-long government shutdown.
bit.ly/3LDBBAX
bit.ly/3LDBBAX
November 13, 2025 at 7:33 PM
1) This sounds like a violation of the Anti-Deficiency Act.
2) Every federal worker suffered over the past 7 weeks. But if we pay some groups faster than others, and if one if the ruler’s chief courtiers delivers the money like a personal gift…it’s bad.
Like, basic-modern-state bad. Weberian bad.
2) Every federal worker suffered over the past 7 weeks. But if we pay some groups faster than others, and if one if the ruler’s chief courtiers delivers the money like a personal gift…it’s bad.
Like, basic-modern-state bad. Weberian bad.
At #APPAM2025, and it may be my first APPAM since I worked for HHS. (Most of my work is policy-relevant aspects, but keeping up with two other academic fields kept my conference schedule busy.)
Excited to present Friday and Saturday, and to see people from different eras of my career!
Excited to present Friday and Saturday, and to see people from different eras of my career!
November 13, 2025 at 7:25 PM
At #APPAM2025, and it may be my first APPAM since I worked for HHS. (Most of my work is policy-relevant aspects, but keeping up with two other academic fields kept my conference schedule busy.)
Excited to present Friday and Saturday, and to see people from different eras of my career!
Excited to present Friday and Saturday, and to see people from different eras of my career!
Reposted by Matthew Borus
Remember the last time a candidate for New York City Mayor proposed eliminating fares on city buses? Yes, I am talking about Michael Bloomberg in 2009. archive.nytimes.com/cityroom.blo...
Bloomberg Calls for Free Crosstown Buses
The mayor appeared to be trying to assert a greater role for the city in mass transit as he seeks a third term in the November election, but he faces hurdles.
archive.nytimes.com
November 13, 2025 at 6:44 PM
Remember the last time a candidate for New York City Mayor proposed eliminating fares on city buses? Yes, I am talking about Michael Bloomberg in 2009. archive.nytimes.com/cityroom.blo...