I boosted #PRFB fellow/sponsor letter to #NSF but discussion on here is almost non-existent, so wanted to highlight it more myself. There is more happening on Twitter about it, including former and present #postdoc #fellows sharing their experiences. Unfortunately, mass exodus from Twitter of #scientists also means the discussion on Twitter is less vibrant than it was 6+ months ago. Hope this post helps spur direct discussion, which is probably as important as the letter! https://forms.gle/9HQRSdh6SYWVESki9
I will repost some of my statements to help (apologies 4 crossposting).
"Some context from when I was a fellow (2018-2022). No kids. I was quoted over $13k PER SEMESTER for health insurance for spouse/I from Harvard. Luckily I could be added to my spouse's plan and did that for <$3k PER YEAR. Current rates: https://hushp.harvard.edu/rates-plan-dates#Affiliate "
In response to user reporting that health insurance at their host institution costs >$10k for family. The extra burden on fellows with kids is an important theme
Continuing from my last post:
"But 2 b fair, when end of year 3 came & I had no job, during pandemic, they gave me extra year of funding, which was greatly appreciated! Benefits issues still stand but people at NSF do care & can take action. We need 2 send this letter, but I bet ppl at NSF are already aware."
And
"And while we are at it, a similar letter to Congressional members might help solve problem too. Or a perspective in @sciencemagazine or elsewhere, even."
...
"Similar discussions have bubbled up periodically in recent years so great to see coordination/action - let's keep it up!
I'm happy to sign on to other things and help where I can! You can find me here on Mastodon/Twitter or reach out other ways - see www.darencard.net."
And in response to a fellow reporting the burden of living in San Francisco on $56k stipend.
"Cost of living adjustments needed too. I was $54k since I started earlier. Haven't looked at stats but Boston is similar to what <USER> describes. Lived separately from spouse in Australia during fellowship for several months in beginning, before we both moved to Boston and ..."
"... the cost of rent for me in Australia (cheap, single room in house share, but still) and her in DFW Texas (market rate apartment) COMBINED was less than median 1 bedroom rent in Boston then, and I'm assuming that's still the case."
One last comment.
"And it's important we don't just pile on NSF. Institutions are complicit as well. Fun fact that may not be widely known: Harvard, the richest university in the world, is JUST NOW adopting NIH minimum payscale for postdocs.
I can't even find announcement or anything online w/ the details 
. See this (dated) thread. Some internal pressure got them to expedite it a bit vs their original intentions."
Apologies but forced to link to Twitter for context: https://twitter.com/faspda/status/1486156034494414852?t=lENC60GBpSKsGb6Wfun1PA&s=19
I know there are a lot of well meaning #scientists here who care about this and I hope this context will help everyone have an informed discussion, which is increasingly important given the burden on many fellows. I encourage other #NSF #PRFB #fellows to share their thoughts or stories if they feel comfortable doing so. /end