Your Money on the BallotUpcoming
Retirement pay rises 3.6%, but Medicare healthcare costs shift in 2027
What it means for youSocial Security checks rise 3.6% in January, about $75 a month on average, while Medicare drug-plan limits and Part B premiums also change. Open enrollment runs through Dec. 7.
Around the worldIn the United Kingdom, the state pension rises each April by the highest of inflation, average earnings growth or 2.5 percent, a rule known as the triple lock.
Retirement pay rises 3.6%, but Medicare healthcare costs shift in 2027
- Social Security benefits rise 3.6% in January 2027, about $75 more per month for the average retired worker, the agency announced Oct. 14.
- The Part B premium is projected to rise $6.60 to $209.50 a month in 2027; CMS should confirm it in November.
- Part D drug plans: the out-of-pocket cap goes from $2,100 to $2,400, the deductible from $615 to $700, and temporary federal premium subsidies end.
- The White House says the $90 Part B rebate helps with premiums; some advocates say it misses many seniors who need help.
▶ PBS NewsHour: inflation report and the Social Security bumpSource: ABC News (Associated Press)
Capitol Hill · Federal4 Bills Tracked
Funding, health coverage, food aid and housing: where four federal bills stand
What it means for youCongress returns Nov. 9 with funding, health-insurance subsidies and the farm bill unfinished. The housing law is already in effect.
Stopgap Funding Bill (H.R. 6500)Signed
Federal agencies stay open; next funding deadline is December 11.
Farm Bill (H.R. 7567)Passed House
Could change SNAP cost-sharing for states and farm program support.
ACA Subsidy ExtensionPassed House
Determines whether ACA marketplace premiums stay higher for millions of enrollees.
ROAD to Housing ActPassed Congress
Aims to ease housing costs by adding supply and updating HUD programs.
Funding, health coverage, food aid and housing: where four federal bills stand
- Congress returns Nov. 9; a stopgap law keeps agencies funded through December 11, so the next shutdown deadline falls after the midterms.
- Supporters of the House-passed ACA extension say it lowers health costs; Senate Majority Leader John Thune has said there is no appetite for it.
- Senate Democrats on the committee want a two-year SNAP cost delay for all states; Chairman Boozman says states should be more responsible with federal money.
- The housing law passed the Senate 85-5 and the House 358-32, and became law July 11.
The bills
- Stopgap Funding Bill (H.R. 6500) (Signed): Short-term funding law keeping federal agencies open at current levels through December 11, 2026. Bill page
- Farm Bill (H.R. 7567) (Passed House): Five-year farm bill covering farm programs and SNAP food aid; House passed it, Senate floor vote pending. Bill page
- ACA Subsidy Extension (Passed House): Would restore expanded ACA premium tax credits for three years; the Senate has not passed it. Bill page
- ROAD to Housing Act (Passed Congress): Bipartisan law to boost home building, update HUD programs and add rules on large investors buying homes. Bill page
Source: CBS News
National · United KingdomUpcoming
UK Budget on 28 October: energy, bus fare and tax decisions
What it means for youVAT is off home electricity from 1 October and the £2 bus fare cap is back. The Chancellor says any extra help will be targeted and temporary.
From WashingtonMost UK goods sold into the U.S. face a 10% Section 301 tariff that has applied since late July 2026, which affects UK exporters and workers.
UK Budget on 28 October: energy, bus fare and tax decisions
- Chancellor John Healey delivers the Autumn Budget on 28 October, under new Prime Minister Andy Burnham.
- Already announced: no VAT on home electricity from 1 October and a restored £2 bus fare cap.
- The Chancellor says any further cost-of-living support in the Budget will be targeted and temporary.
- The government says the cuts give households relief, while the IMF warns that broad support risks reigniting inflation.
Source: ITV News
National · CanadaUpcoming
Alberta votes Oct. 19 on staying in Canada or starting separation process
What it means for youAlbertans vote on ten questions, including immigration and provincial services. The separation question is non-binding and would not make Alberta independent.
From WashingtonU.S. tariffs on Canadian steel, aluminum and copper are 50%, and most other Canadian goods face 10% unless they meet CUSMA rules, which affects prices and jobs.
Alberta votes Oct. 19 on staying in Canada or starting separation process
- Question 10 asks whether Alberta should remain a province or begin the legal process toward a later binding separation vote.
- The other nine questions cover immigration, access to provincial services and voter ID, and are non-binding.
- Premier Danielle Smith opposes independence but wants voters to approve the nine; Prime Minister Mark Carney urges rejecting them.
- Backers point to long-standing Western grievances; Carney says a vote against Canada would bring years of uncertainty.
Source: Reuters (via U.S. News)
National · NigeriaIn Effect
Nigeria rules out return to fuel subsidy as living costs bite
What it means for youPetrol prices and household costs remain high. The government says its reforms stay in place, and the presidential election is set for 16 January 2027.
From WashingtonSince 1 January 2026 the U.S. has partially suspended new visas for Nigerians, including tourist, business, student and exchange visas, and some applicants must post a visa bond of $10,000 to $20,000.
Nigeria rules out return to fuel subsidy as living costs bite
- Finance Minister Taiwo Oyedele says Nigeria will not bring back fuel subsidies or multiple exchange rates.
- The government says the reforms aim to fix the structure of the economy and attract investment.
- The minister accepts that life is harder for many people now, but argues it would be harder without the reforms.
- The World Bank says growth has held up, while higher oil prices have paused the fall in inflation.
Source: Premium Times
National · JamaicaDeveloping
Jamaica's Hurricane Melissa recovery strains budget, tourism and insurance
What it means for youRebuilding is shaping government spending, housing help and tourism jobs. Insurance delays are squeezing some businesses ahead of the peak winter travel season.
From WashingtonA 1% U.S. tax on remittances funded with cash or money orders has applied since 1 January 2026; bank-funded and card-funded transfers are exempt.
Jamaica's Hurricane Melissa recovery strains budget, tourism and insurance
- Hurricane Melissa hit in October 2025. The IDB puts damage and losses at US$12.2 billion, about 56.7% of Jamaica's GDP.
- The government says it spent J$67 billion on relief and recovery, including roof repairs, clean-up and restoring water supply.
- The Associated Press reports that high deductibles and slow insurance payouts are leaving hotels and other businesses short of cash.
- The government says the economy should start growing again in the second quarter of 2027, earlier than first forecast.
Source: Associated Press (via Washington Times)
National · Washington & YouIn Effect
What Washington's visa, remittance and trade rules mean abroad
What it means for youIf you travel to, or send money to, family abroad, check visa bond rules and pay remittances by bank or card to avoid the 1% cash tax.
What Washington's visa, remittance and trade rules mean abroad
- Travelers from 50 countries, including Nigeria, Ethiopia, Cuba and Grenada, must post a $5,000 to $15,000 bond to get a U.S. visitor visa.
- A 1% U.S. tax on remittances has applied since Jan. 1, but only to cash, money-order or cashier's-check transfers; bank and U.S.-card transfers are exempt.
- Supporters say it raises revenue and helps fund border enforcement; critics say families abroad lose income; a Western Union official expects a 1.6 percent drop.
- The African Growth and Opportunity Act, which gives duty-free access to qualifying African nations and Haiti, was extended to 2028.
Source: Sunday Times (South Africa)
State House · AlabamaSigned
Alabama makes nursing home and hospital Medicaid taxes permanent
What it means for youTwo 2026 laws keep Alabama's nursing home and hospital provider taxes in place for good, which helps pay for Medicaid. Alabama still has not expanded Medicaid to low-income adults.
Alabama makes nursing home and hospital Medicaid taxes permanent
- SB 143 removes the expiration date on fees tied to nursing facility beds.
- SB 145 does the same for a tax that private hospitals pay to the Alabama Medicaid Agency.
- Both bills were sponsored by Sen. Greg Albritton, R-Atmore. Alabama Arise, an advocacy group, says the laws protect Medicaid funding.
- Alabama Arise also notes that the governor and Legislature have not expanded Medicaid to cover adults with low incomes.
Source: Alabama Arise
State House · AlaskaIn Effect
Alaska sets 2026 dividend at $1,000 plus $200 energy payment
What it means for youEligible Alaskans are getting $1,200 total starting October 1: a $1,000 dividend plus a $200 energy relief payment, with the amount set in budget bill HB 263.
Alaska sets 2026 dividend at $1,000 plus $200 energy payment
- Nearly 600,000 Alaskans began receiving payments October 1. Another round is scheduled for October 22.
- Applicants generally must have been Alaska residents for all of 2025. Some people sentenced or incarcerated for a felony that year may be ineligible.
- The House minority caucus argued for the statutory dividend formula, which estimates put near $3,800 per person.
- The multipartisan House majority coalition favored putting more money toward state services, such as schools, Medicaid rates and heating assistance.
Source: Alaska Department of Revenue
State House · ArizonaSigned
Arizona budget adds $6,000 senior deduction and tighter Medicaid checks
What it means for youGov. Hobbs signed an $18.3 billion budget, SB 1847, with $1.4 billion in tax cuts. Seniors get a new $6,000 deduction, and Medicaid and SNAP eligibility checks are stronger.
Arizona budget adds $6,000 senior deduction and tighter Medicaid checks
- The tax package ends taxes on tips and overtime, raises the standard deduction and adds the new senior deduction.
- It also adds a child care expense deduction, a larger child tax credit and property tax exemptions for disabled veterans.
- Senate Republicans say stronger Medicaid and SNAP verification reduces waste and protects taxpayer money.
- Democrats pushed back on the checks. The budget funds extra staff so about 40,000 Arizonans can remain on the state Medicaid plan.
Source: Arizona Capitol Times
State House · ArkansasSigned
Arkansas raises homestead property tax credit to $675
What it means for youHB 1103 lifts the credit that lowers property taxes on your main home from $600 to $675 per parcel. It applies to assessment year 2026, with taxes due in 2027.
Arkansas raises homestead property tax credit to $675
- Rep. Bart Schulz, R-Cave City, sponsored HB 1103. It passed both chambers with no votes against, and the governor's office announced the signing May 1.
- Homeowners must register with their county assessor and show proof of eligibility. Each homeowner gets one credit per year.
- A statewide half-cent sales tax pays counties back for the credits. The state estimates $39.8 million in added credits in 2027.
- Gov. Sanders says the state's tax cuts deliver savings to Arkansans. Sen. Fred Love, D-Little Rock, said a separate income tax cut gives the average person about $50.
Source: Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
State House · CaliforniaUpcoming
California minimum wage rises to $17.40 on January 1, 2027
What it means for youThe statewide minimum wage goes from $16.90 to $17.40 an hour in January. A new law also sets a $19.75 hourly floor for certain farmworkers starting in 2027.
California minimum wage rises to $17.40 on January 1, 2027
- Gov. Newsom announced July 31, 2026, that the statewide minimum wage will increase to $17.40 an hour on January 1, 2027.
- The current statewide minimum is $16.90. The governor's office also cites $20 an hour for fast-food workers and $25 for health care workers.
- AB 2646, signed September 30, sets a $19.75 hourly floor for some farmworkers hired through programs like H-2A starting in 2027.
- California residents doing the same or similar work for the same employer, in the same county and period, also qualify.
Source: Office of Governor Gavin Newsom
State House · ColoradoIn Effect
Colorado funds senior property tax break for 2026 tax year
What it means for youIf you are 65 or older and have owned and lived in your home for 10 years, the state can exempt up to half of the first $200,000 of its value.
State House · ConnecticutSigned
Connecticut's housing law H.B. 8002 requires towns to plan for growth
What it means for youTowns must now plan for more housing, small projects face fewer parking rules, and fair rent commissions expand. That can affect rent disputes and housing choices near you.
Connecticut's housing law H.B. 8002 requires towns to plan for growth
Source: CT Mirror
State House · DelawareSigned
Delaware's Housing for Every Delawarean Act sets affordable housing goals
What it means for youLarger towns and counties must plan for affordable homes, with a goal of making 20% of homes affordable, and zoning-compliant residential projects get by-right review.
State House · District of ColumbiaApproved
DC budget restores Healthcare Alliance coverage and protects housing vouchers
What it means for youFor one year starting Oct. 1, the DC Healthcare Alliance again covers full medical services, including dental and vision, for adults 21 and older not eligible for Medicaid or Medicare.
DC budget restores Healthcare Alliance coverage and protects housing vouchers
Source: Arent Fox Schiff
State House · FloridaUpcoming
Florida voters decide Amendment 3 on homestead property tax exemption
What it means for youOn Nov. 3, voters decide whether to raise the homestead exemption on non-school property taxes to $150,000 in 2027 and $250,000 in 2028. It needs 60% to pass.
Florida voters decide Amendment 3 on homestead property tax exemption
Source: Florida TaxWatch
State HouseChoose State
Pick your state above
What it means for youChoose your state to see the state law or budget fight that affects your money and rights.
Pick your state above
- Coverage rotates through all 50 states and DC.
State HouseComing Soon
Coverage for your state is on the way
What it means for youWe cover five states a day. Until yours comes up, find your legislators and what they're voting on.
Coverage for your state is on the way
- New state coverage is added every morning.
City Hall · AtlantaDeveloping
Atlanta approves tax district extensions; Fulton County opposes
What it means for youThe Council approved the Neighborhood Reinvestment Act, which uses property tax growth for housing and infrastructure. It needs Atlanta Public Schools or Fulton County to agree before moving forward.
Atlanta approves tax district extensions; Fulton County opposes
- On June 15, the City Council voted 13-2 to extend six tax allocation districts, which direct property tax growth to local projects.
- Supporters, including the mayor's office, say the money will fund housing, infrastructure and transit in historically underserved neighborhoods, along with anti-displacement tools.
- Critics say it can divert tax revenue from schools and county services. Fulton County commissioners passed a resolution opposing it on July 15.
- Atlanta Public Schools has not voted. A district spokesperson said the earliest it would vote is December.
Source: WABE
City Hall · New York CityApproved
NYC Council gives final approval to Fort Hamilton Mews housing rezoning
What it means for youThe Council approved an 11-story Bay Ridge building with 292 apartments, 88 of them permanently affordable. It comes as a new fast-track rezoning process begins January 1.
NYC Council gives final approval to Fort Hamilton Mews housing rezoning
- On October 6, Council zoning and land use committees approved BWH Group's project at 9305 Fifth Avenue. The full Council then gave final approval.
- The 88 affordable units are for residents earning 60 percent of area median income. The developer first sought a 14-story building.
- Starting January 1, voter-approved fast-track rules let qualifying affordable housing rezonings in 12 districts skip a Council vote.
- Supporters say the fast track makes every neighborhood help build housing. Council Member Simcha Felder says it takes local voices out of the process.
Source: The Real Deal
City Hall · Los AngelesIn Effect
Los Angeles adopts local rules to phase in state transit upzoning law
What it means for youNear transit, the city is adding low-rise housing incentives while phasing in the state's SB 79 rules, which allow taller apartments near stations, locally by 2030.
City Hall · ChicagoDeveloping
Chicago faces $882 million budget gap as council opposes property tax hike
What it means for youChicago's 2027 budget has an $882.4 million gap. A council bloc says it won't back a property tax hike or per-employee tax; the mayor has not ruled out a property tax increase.
Chicago faces $882 million budget gap as council opposes property tax hike
Source: CBS Chicago
City HallChoose City
Pick your city above
What it means for youCouncil and county votes decide your property taxes, rent pressure, transit and public safety.
Pick your city above
- We cover Atlanta, New York City, Los Angeles, Chicago, Houston, Philadelphia, Detroit, Washington, DC.
City HallGet Involved
Your city hall, your vote
What it means for youCouncil meetings are public, and most post agendas online a few days before each vote.
Your city hall, your vote
- Find your council's agenda page to see upcoming votes.
- Most councils allow public comment in person or online.
City HallComing Soon
Coverage for this city is on the way
What it means for youWe refresh two cities each morning. Check back soon.
Coverage for this city is on the way
- New city coverage is added every morning.
