Your Money on the BallotUpcoming
Retirement raise of 3.6% arrives; healthcare costs may trim it
What it means for youSocial Security checks rise 3.6% in January 2027, about $75 a month on average. Medicare Part B premiums come out of most checks, so your take-home gain depends on the November premium.
Around the worldIn the UK, the state pension rises each April by the highest of inflation, average earnings growth or 2.5%, a rule called the triple lock, according to Which?.
Retirement raise of 3.6% arrives; healthcare costs may trim it
- The Social Security Administration announced a 3.6% cost-of-living raise on October 14 for nearly 72 million beneficiaries, starting with January 2027 payments.
- SSA says the average retired worker benefit rises about $75 a month, from $2,095 to $2,170.
- Medicare trustees project the standard Part B premium at $209.50, up from $202.90. CMS usually confirms the final number in November.
- The Social Security Act ties the raise to a price index called CPI-W. The Senior Citizens League says this year's raise still falls short of expectations.
Source: Social Security Administration
Capitol Hill · Federal4 Bills Tracked
Funding, ACA credits, farm bill: Congress returns November 9 with deadlines
What it means for youCongress is out until after the November 3 election, then returns November 9 to a December 11 funding deadline. Health credits, SNAP and farm programs are still unresolved.
Funding Extension (H.R. 6500)Signed
Shutdown averted for now; another funding deadline arrives December 11.
ACA Tax Credit Extension (H.R. 1834)Passed House
Premium help stays expired unless the Senate acts; open enrollment starts November 1.
2026 Farm Bill (H.R. 7567)Passed House
Would decide when states start sharing SNAP costs and renew farm programs.
Stop Insider Trading ActPassed House
Would limit lawmakers' stock buying; Senate leaders have shown little interest so far.
Funding, ACA credits, farm bill: Congress returns November 9 with deadlines
- Both chambers are out until after the November 3 elections and return November 9 for a lame-duck session.
- The funding law, H.R. 6500, keeps agencies open through December 11. None of the 12 full-year spending bills is finished.
- Supporters of extending ACA credits say it would help stabilize insurance markets. Critics, including some Republican leaders, cite concerns about cost and program integrity.
- Farm bill talks center on SNAP. Senate Democrats want a longer delay before states share costs; Republicans stress state accountability for payment errors.
The bills
- Funding Extension (H.R. 6500) (Signed): Funds federal agencies at current levels through December 11 and extends programs including WIC, veterans services and trade preferences. Bill page
- ACA Tax Credit Extension (H.R. 1834) (Passed House): Would extend enhanced ACA premium tax credits, which expired December 31, 2025, through 2028. Bill page
- 2026 Farm Bill (H.R. 7567) (Passed House): Renews farm and nutrition programs; House and Senate versions differ on when states begin sharing SNAP benefit costs. Bill page
- Stop Insider Trading Act (Passed House): Bars lawmakers and families from buying new individual stocks; also requires photo ID to vote. Bill page
▶ PBS NewsHour: House vote on extending ACA subsidiesSource: Congress.gov
National · United KingdomUpcoming
UK Budget lands 28 October after electricity VAT cut
What it means for youThe Budget on 28 October will set tax, pension and benefit plans. Household electricity VAT already fell to 0% on 1 October, which the government says saves about £45 a year.
UK Budget lands 28 October after electricity VAT cut
- Chancellor John Healey will deliver the Autumn Budget on Wednesday 28 October, the earliest Budget since 2021.
- Household electricity VAT fell from 5% to 0% on 1 October, and the government says that saves the average home about £45 a year.
- The government has indicated it does not plan to raise the main rates of income tax, VAT or National Insurance.
- The triple lock on the State Pension is confirmed until 2030, and a 3.9% rise is expected, to be confirmed with September inflation figures.
Source: Which?
National · CanadaIn Effect
Canada inflation hits 3.1% as grocery benefit payments continue
What it means for youEveryday prices keep climbing, with groceries up 33% since 2020. Eligible lower-income households receive the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit, and a second payment went out in October.
From WashingtonThe first joint review of the CUSMA trade deal took place on 1 July without the U.S. agreeing to extend it, so the deal stays in force until 2036 with annual reviews and U.S. tariffs still in place.
Canada inflation hits 3.1% as grocery benefit payments continue
- Statistics Canada says inflation is 3.1%, up 0.1 points this month, just above the 2 to 3 per cent target range.
- Grocery prices rose 1.7% over the year, the smallest rise since May 2024, but are up 33% since September 2020.
- Supporters of the government's Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit say it gives hundreds of dollars in relief to more than 12 million lower-income people.
- Some Maritimers are unconvinced it will make a big difference at checkout, Global News reported.
Source: Zoomer
National · NigeriaDeveloping
Nigeria's finance minister rules out bringing back petrol subsidy
What it means for youPetrol stays at market prices, and NNPC stations recently raised it to N1,405 a litre. The government says reversing would hurt the naira, and it plans a future fuel tax once incomes improve.
From WashingtonSince 1 January 2026, a U.S. presidential proclamation has suspended immigrant visas and B-1/B-2 visitor, F, M and J visas for Nigerians who did not already hold a valid visa.
Nigeria's finance minister rules out bringing back petrol subsidy
- Finance Minister Taiwo Oyedele said on 19 October that the government will not reverse petrol subsidy removal.
- He argued that even signalling a return could weaken the naira to between N3,000 and N4,000 per dollar and raise borrowing costs.
- He also said fuel taxes will come only once the economy stabilises and incomes improve.
- Critics, including the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, warn that any fuel tax would raise production costs.
Source: allAfrica
National · JamaicaDeveloping
Jamaica rebuilds after Melissa as insurance payouts lag
What it means for youTourism is up to 35% of GDP and about one in four jobs, and about 20 hotels are still closed. A $500 million grant fund was launched for small businesses.
From WashingtonJamaica received its first 22 third-country deportees from the U.S. on 13 October under a June memorandum of understanding that makes it a temporary transit point for up to 25 people every two weeks.
Jamaica rebuilds after Melissa as insurance payouts lag
- Hurricane Melissa hit Jamaica as a Category 5 storm nearly a year ago, with much of the damage in the northwest.
- On 6 October the government launched a $500 million Restoration Grant Programme for micro, small and medium businesses hit by the storm.
- The Planning Institute of Jamaica says a National Recovery Strategy, built with the World Bank, IDB and UNDP, is well advanced.
- Tourism groups say slow, short insurance payouts are the biggest hurdle, while insurers say they cannot settle claims simply because of pressure.
Source: ABC News (Associated Press)
National · Washington & YouIn Effect
What Washington's tariffs, AGOA and remittance tax mean for you abroad
What it means for youCash-funded money transfers from the U.S. carry a 1% tax; bank and card transfers are generally exempt. Trade benefits for Africa and Haiti were extended, though South Africa's AGOA status is uncertain.
What Washington's tariffs, AGOA and remittance tax mean for you abroad
- Since January 1, 2026, a 1% U.S. tax applies to remittances paid with cash or similar methods, but not online transfers.
- Supporters say the tax raises revenue and helps fund border enforcement. Critics warn that receiving countries like Mexico, which got $62.5 billion in 2024, could lose income.
- A Western Union official expects the tax to reduce remittances by about 1.6 percent.
- A September funding law extended AGOA to 2028 and trade preferences for Haiti. Some U.S. officials have suggested South Africa should be excluded, Reuters reports.
Source: Border Report
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 House · GeorgiaSigned
Georgia gives homestead owners a one-time $18,000 assessed-value cut
What it means for youIf you filed a homestead exemption by April 1 and owe property tax, your 2026 bill drops. It is a bill reduction, not a check.
State House · HawaiiSigned
Hawaii sets up program to buy and erase residents' medical debt
What it means for youQualifying residents may have medical debt wiped out without applying. They will get a notice if their debt is bought and canceled.
State House · IdahoSigned
Idaho drops proration of its homeowner's property tax exemption
What it means for youIdaho homeowners get the full homestead exemption regardless of when in the year they apply, as long as they file by the deadline.
Idaho drops proration of its homeowner's property tax exemption
Source: Idaho Legislature
State House · IllinoisSigned
Illinois homeowners keep leftover equity when homes sold for tax debt
What it means for youIf your home is sold over unpaid property taxes, you now keep the money left after the debt is paid. Owners also get more time to pay.
State House · IndianaSigned
Indiana's SB 1 adds homestead credits, with extra $150 for seniors
What it means for youHomeowners get a credit of 10% off their property tax bill, up to $300. Eligible owners 65 and older get $150 more.
State House · IowaSigned
Iowa's new property tax law caps city and county revenue growth
What it means for youHomeowners get a larger exemption on part of their home's value. Cities and counties face a 2% revenue cap, and existing senior and veteran exemptions stay.
Iowa's new property tax law caps city and county revenue growth
- Senate File 2472 gives homeowners an exemption equal to 10% of home value, at least $5,500 and at most $20,000.
- It caps most city and county revenue growth at 2% a year, with exceptions, and keeps existing senior and veteran exemptions.
- Supporters, including Gov. Kim Reynolds, say it will save homeowners $4.2 billion over six years.
- Critics, including city officials, say residents may see only small bill changes and could see reduced city services.
▶ Iowa PBS Iowa Press: House Speaker Pat Grassley on the property tax dealSource: Iowa Public Radio
State House · KansasVetoed
Kansas governor vetoes property tax cap on cities and counties
What it means for youNo major property tax relief became law this session. The vetoed bill would have let voters block local spending increases above a set cap.
Kansas governor vetoes property tax cap on cities and counties
- House Bill 2043 would have limited city and county spending increases to 3% or the rate of inflation, whichever was smaller.
- Voters could have blocked a local decision to exceed the limit with a petition signed by 10% of voters from a past election.
- Gov. Laura Kelly vetoed it in April, calling it a 'false promise,' and lawmakers had already adjourned, so no override was possible.
- Supporters say the cap would slow rising local tax bills. Critics, including some in both parties, warned local governments could struggle to operate.
Source: Kansas Reflector
State House · KentuckyIn Effect
Kentucky law lets churches build small affordable housing projects
What it means for youFaith groups can build up to 24 affordable homes on land they own with less local zoning review. Units must stay affordable for 15 years.
Kentucky law lets churches build small affordable housing projects
- House Bill 333 was signed by Gov. Andy Beshear on April 7 and took effect July 15, 2026.
- Qualifying religious institutions, or developers working for them, can skip much of the local zoning review if they meet requirements.
- Housing must be reserved for households earning 80% or less of area median income, capped at 24 units, and stay affordable 15 years.
- Supporters say it cuts red tape in a housing shortage, and projects must still pass safety inspections.
Source: Spectrum News 1
State House · LouisianaSigned
Louisiana Medicaid must cover dental work needed before surgery
What it means for youMedicaid will pay for dental procedures a patient needs to be cleared for another covered treatment, such as surgery. The law's effective date was August 1, 2026.
Louisiana Medicaid must cover dental work needed before surgery
- House Bill 222, by Rep. Stephanie Berault, became Act 629 when the governor signed it on June 2, 2026.
- It requires Medicaid to cover a dental procedure when it is medically necessary to clear a patient for another Medicaid-covered procedure.
- Louisiana Medicaid adult dental coverage has mainly included exams, cleanings, dentures, and up to $200 for extractions.
- The health department must seek federal plan approval and write rules. The fiscal note lists about $784,370 in state costs.
Source: Louisiana Legislature
State House · MaineSigned
Maine creates first dedicated funding source for affordable housing
What it means for youA new Housing Production Fund at MaineHousing, paid for through real estate transfer tax changes, will help build affordable homes. First-time buyers in MaineHousing's program skip that tax.
Maine creates first dedicated funding source for affordable housing
- LD 2212 puts $37.5 million in new funding toward building affordable homes to buy or rent across Maine.
- It sets up a Housing Production Fund at MaineHousing, financed through changes to the real estate transfer tax.
- The state estimates $17 million in the first year, with the amount expected to grow with the real estate market.
- LD 210 also exempts participants in MaineHousing's First Time Homebuyer Program from the real estate transfer tax.
Source: Maine Governor's Office of Policy Innovation and the Future
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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 Hall · HoustonApproved
Houston Council keeps city property tax rate flat for 2026
What it means for youHouston's city tax rate stays at 51.9 cents per $100. A home with a $340,000 taxable value owes about $1,765 a year in city tax.
Houston Council keeps city property tax rate flat for 2026
Source: Community Impact
City Hall · PhiladelphiaDeveloping
Philadelphia weighs 20-year tax break for converting empty buildings into housing
What it means for youNo Council vote yet. Members are weighing a long property tax break for housing conversions, while city schools rely on property tax revenue.
Philadelphia weighs 20-year tax break for converting empty buildings into housing
Source: WHYY
City Hall · DetroitUnder Review
Detroit weighs $300 million tax incentive for Renaissance Center plan
What it means for youBedrock and GM want a $300 million tax incentive for a $2.2 billion RenCen redevelopment. Residents are negotiating community benefits before Detroit City Council votes.
Detroit weighs $300 million tax incentive for Renaissance Center plan
- Bedrock Detroit and General Motors seek a $300 million tax incentive package through a Transformational Brownfield Plan.
- A nine-member resident Neighborhood Advisory Council is negotiating a community benefits agreement under the city's Community Benefits Ordinance.
- Many residents who spoke opposed the plan, the process or both, and the Brownfield Authority vote was set for Oct. 14.
- Not everyone opposed it, and the incentive repays costs from future tax revenue; Council and the state must approve by March 31, 2027.
Source: Outlier Media
City Hall · Washington, DCApproved
DC Council approves $300 million for Stadium-Armory Metro upgrades
What it means for youCouncil approved emergency funding to upgrade Stadium-Armory Metro and plan a Gold Line bus route to the new stadium site. The bus line's total cost is not yet known.
DC Council approves $300 million for Stadium-Armory Metro upgrades
- On Oct. 6, the Council approved two emergency measures: up to $300 million for Stadium-Armory and $5 million to plan the Gold Line.
- The Gold Line would run buses down the middle of H Street and Benning Road between Union Station and the stadium.
- Councilmember Charles Allen, who chairs the transportation committee, says work must start now to be ready for the 2030 NFL season.
- Allen has argued another station is needed along Benning Road, while Metro says an expanded entrance and more game-day service are enough.
Source: WJLA 7News
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