It’s a happy dance kind of day! I’m so relieved (and grateful) for yesterday’s 'blue tsunami' election results across the United States. The outcomes are a reassuring sign that the majority of Americans still care deeply about democracy and the rule of law.
Closer to home, I’m also thrilled that the two school bonds passed here in Saint Michael and Albertville. Yes, I’m willing to pay a little more in property taxes if it means supporting K–12 education. It’s an investment in our community’s future.
Another reason to feel optimistic came from Washington, D.C. During today’s oral arguments before the Supreme Court on 47’s use of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act of 1977 (IEEPA) to levy tariffs, several conservative justices pushed back on the administration’s claims. Under the Constitution, only Congress has the power to impose tariffs or to authorize the president to do so, so the outcome of this case could have lasting implications for the balance of power.
Independent media reporter Aaron Parnas summarized the tone of the hearing:
“Justice Amy Coney Barrett, seen as a key swing vote, pressed the administration to justify the breadth of the tariffs, questioning why nations like France and Spain were included. ‘Is it your contention that every country needed to be tariffed because of threats to the defense and industrial base?’ she asked.
Justice Neil M. Gorsuch echoed separation-of-powers concerns, warning against ‘a one-way ratchet toward the gradual but continual accretion of power in the executive branch and away from the people’s elected representatives in Congress.’
After nearly three hours of arguments, one takeaway was clear: the Court’s conservative majority, usually sympathetic to Trump’s claims of broad executive power, showed deep divisions over whether emergency powers can stretch to cover global tariff policy. A decision is expected within the next few months, and its implications could ripple through international markets, domestic politics, and the very limits of presidential authority.”
It may take several months for the ruling, but for now, it’s encouraging to see even conservative voices questioning the expansion of executive power.
There’s more cautiously good news on the budget front. So far, Republican senators are resisting 47’s call to “terminate the filibuster.” The government shutdown could end tomorrow if the administration simply agreed to extend the health care insurance tax credits that expire on Decemeber 31, 2025.
Failing to renew those credits has hit working-class and low-income Americans the hardest, making insurance unaffordable for many. According to the Center for American Progress, people on the exchanges are facing an average 136% premium increase for 2026—while tax breaks for the wealthy remain untouched.
(Source)
Word is that Senate Republicans and Democrats are trying to work out a bipartisan budget, since the continuing resolution passed by the House doesn’t have enough votes to clear the Senate. I can only hope they find a solution that helps all Americans, not just the wealthy few.
Today feels like a much-needed affirmation that democracy, checks and balances, and common sense still have life in them. It’s been a long time since I’ve felt this kind of cautious optimism - I’ll take it.
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