Capitol Hill · Federal5 Bills Tracked
Five bills: sanctions, retirement plans, health credits, power bills, federal funding
What it means for youThree are now law and two still wait on the Senate. They touch retirement plans, health premiums, electric bills and whether federal agencies stay open through Dec. 11.
Graham Russia and Iran Sanctions Act (H.R. 5334)Signed
Gives the president new tariff and sanctions tools; effects on prices unclear.
Retire Through Ownership Act (S. 2403)Signed
Aims to make employee-owned retirement plans easier to set up and safer.
Ratepayer Protection Act (H.R. 9340)Passed House
Could affect who pays for new power infrastructure on your electric bill.
ACA Tax Credit ExtensionPassed House
Would bring back larger premium credits for marketplace buyers if enacted.
Stopgap Funding Act (H.R. 6500)Signed
Federal agencies stay funded through Dec. 11; no shutdown before then.
Five bills: sanctions, retirement plans, health credits, power bills, federal funding
The bills
- Graham Russia and Iran Sanctions Act (H.R. 5334) (Signed): Sets higher tariffs on Russian imports and big buyers of Russian energy, and extends Iran sanctions. Bill page
- Retire Through Ownership Act (S. 2403) (Signed): Lets employee stock ownership plan trustees rely on an independent appraiser's valuation using IRS guidelines. Bill page
- Ratepayer Protection Act (H.R. 9340) (Passed House): Asks state regulators to consider making large data centers pay full grid-upgrade costs, not other customers. Bill page
- ACA Tax Credit Extension (Passed House): Extends enhanced ACA premium tax credits for three more years after they expired Dec. 31, 2025. Bill page
- Stopgap Funding Act (H.R. 6500) (Signed): Funds federal agencies at current levels through December 11, 2026. Bill page
Source: Congress.gov
National · United KingdomUpcoming
UK Budget lands Wednesday: bus fares, energy bills and tax
What it means for youThe 28 October Budget sets tax and spending plans that can affect your bills, bus fares, pay and savings. Some energy and travel measures are already confirmed.
UK Budget lands Wednesday: bus fares, energy bills and tax
- Chancellor John Healey delivers his first Budget on 28 October, with new official forecasts published the same day.
- Confirmed already: a £2 bus fare cap, VAT removed from electricity bills, and a business rates cut for pubs and clubs.
- Healey has promised not to raise income tax, employee National Insurance or VAT.
- The Resolution Foundation says borrowing is £8.1 billion above forecast, so the full package is unknown until Budget day.
Source: Which?
National · CanadaUpcoming
Canada's federal budget arrives November 5 amid cost-of-living pressure
What it means for youBudget 2026 will set federal spending and tax plans that can affect grocery costs, housing and jobs. It comes as many Canadians say affordability is their top concern.
From WashingtonOn October 23, President Trump signed a proclamation changing which Canadian goods face the 50% Section 338 tariff, effective October 30, with some products removed and others added.
Canada's federal budget arrives November 5 amid cost-of-living pressure
- Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne will table Budget 2026 on November 5, the second under Prime Minister Mark Carney.
- The government says the budget will aim to make life more affordable; its groceries benefit was raised 25 per cent starting in July.
- The Parliamentary Budget Officer projects a $63.3 billion deficit for 2026-27.
- Critics point to an April Angus Reid poll in which 70 per cent said the government fell short on the cost of living.
Source: Department of Finance Canada
National · NigeriaDeveloping
Nigeria's petrol price and subsidy debate heads into January vote
What it means for youPetrol is around ₦1,400 a litre, which affects transport and household costs. The government says subsidy will not return, and the presidential vote is on 16 January 2027.
From WashingtonA U.S. proclamation in force since January 1, 2026 suspends entry on visitor, student and exchange visas for Nigerians, with listed exceptions, and eligible visitor-visa applicants must post a bond of up to $20,000.
Nigeria's petrol price and subsidy debate heads into January vote
- Finance Minister Taiwo Oyedele says petrol now averages about 1,400 naira a litre, up from about 830 naira before a global conflict.
- The government says restoring the old price would cost more than 20 trillion naira a year.
- To ease prices, it says it waived over 3.3 trillion naira in fuel taxes, and NNPC Retail is forgoing its margin for 30 days.
- Critics in the opposition ADC say a 5 per cent fuel tax already in law could be activated after the election.
Source: Naija News
National · JamaicaDeveloping
Jamaica nears Hurricane Melissa anniversary with housing recovery still underway
What it means for youMany families still lack secure homes and roofs. The government is cutting official travel and promises faster delivery, with a briefing on Tuesday.
From WashingtonSince January 1, 2026, a 1% U.S. tax applies to remittances sent abroad, including to Jamaica, when the sender pays with cash, a money order or a cashier's check.
Jamaica nears Hurricane Melissa anniversary with housing recovery still underway
- Hurricane Melissa made landfall in Westmoreland on 28 October 2025, and the first anniversary is this week.
- Prime Minister Andrew Holness says modular homes imported almost six months ago are still not built out, and he points to red tape.
- The government has paused non-essential official overseas travel until 31 March 2027 to tighten spending and speed up delivery.
- Holness will outline the wider plan at a press briefing on Tuesday, the eve of the anniversary.
Source: Jamaica Observer
National · Washington & YouUnder Review
US tariffs of 10% or 12.5% on 60 economies face court review
What it means for youIf you sell goods to the U.S., American importers pay a 10% or 12.5% duty on them. The trade court has not ruled on the challenges yet.
State House · AlabamaIn Effect
Alabama's new laws: Birmingham housing tools and veterans' tax exemptions
What it means for youSince Oct. 1, Birmingham can set up community land trusts for affordable housing and require vacant-property registration. Permanently, 100% disabled veterans skip yearly re-verification for their homestead exemption.
Alabama's new laws: Birmingham housing tools and veterans' tax exemptions
- Alabama lawmakers passed 402 bills in 2026, and many new laws took effect Oct. 1.
- HB404, the Alabama Community Land Trust Act, lets Birmingham create nonprofit land trusts for affordable housing, with leases up to 99 years.
- HB315 lets Birmingham require owners of vacant homes and buildings to register them and pay a fee.
- HB155 ends yearly re-verification for permanently, totally disabled veterans who hold the state homestead exemption.
Source: WBRC
State House · AlaskaVetoed
Alaska public pension bill vetoed; override vote falls short
What it means for youAlaska teachers, police and other public workers hired since 2006 still have no traditional pension option. The governor vetoed House Bill 78, and lawmakers could not override it.
Alaska public pension bill vetoed; override vote falls short
- House Bill 78 would have let public employees and teachers choose a pension, reviving an option closed in 2006.
- Gov. Dunleavy vetoed it, and the Legislature's May 19 override vote got 33 votes; 40 were needed.
- Supporters say it would cut turnover, with Rep. Chuck Kopp expecting $240 million in savings; cost was estimated at $73 million a year.
- Critics, including Gov. Dunleavy, cite unresolved legal and fiscal issues; Sen. Stedman says higher pay is more direct.
Source: Alaska Beacon
State House · ArizonaUpcoming
Arizona Prop 316 would limit city grocery tax increases
What it means for youIf you shop in Arizona, your city could not add or raise a grocery tax without a local vote. Cities say they rely on that money; supporters say groceries are a basic need.
Arizona Prop 316 would limit city grocery tax increases
- Prop 316 asks voters on Nov. 3 to cap new or higher local grocery taxes at 2% and require a local vote first.
- Cities already above 2% would be frozen, and the change would start after June 30, 2027.
- Supporters, including Rep. Leo Biasiucci, say essential foods like bread, milk and eggs should not be taxed more.
- Critics say it limits local control, and Bisbee's mayor says its 3.5% grocery tax funds about $700,000 of a $9 million budget.
▶ Arizona PBS Horizon: interview with a Prop 316 sponsorSource: KTAR News
State House · ArkansasIn Effect
Arkansas Medicaid work requirement: soft launch now, full rules January 2027
What it means for youIf you're 19 to 64 on ARHOME, you'll need 80 hours a month of work, school or volunteering unless exempt. No one loses coverage in 2026; enforcement starts Jan. 1, 2027.
Arkansas Medicaid work requirement: soft launch now, full rules January 2027
- Adults 19 to 64 on ARHOME must do 80 hours a month of work, school or volunteering unless exempt.
- Checks began July 1 with no penalties; from Jan. 1, 2027, people out of compliance get 30 days to respond before suspension.
- Supporters, including Gov. Sanders, say working Arkansans should not subsidize healthy adults who choose not to work.
- KFF research on Arkansas's 2018 rule found over 18,000 people lost coverage, mostly over reporting or exemption paperwork, without a significant employment change.
▶ NPR (2019): Arkansas's earlier Medicaid work ruleSource: Arkansas Senate
State House · CaliforniaApproved
California Lowers Medi-Cal Savings Limit for Seniors to $21,000
What it means for youStarting July 2027, people 65 and older and people with disabilities can hold no more than $21,000 in savings and similar assets to qualify for Medi-Cal.
California Lowers Medi-Cal Savings Limit for Seniors to $21,000
Source: CalMatters
State House · ColoradoIn Effect
Colorado Funds Senior Homestead Property Tax Exemption for 2026
What it means for youEligible homeowners 65 and older can cut the taxable value of their home by half of its first $200,000. The savings show up on taxes payable in 2027.
State House · ConnecticutUpcoming
Connecticut Minimum Wage Rises to $17.48 on January 1
What it means for youWorkers paid the state minimum get a 54-cent raise, from $16.94 to $17.48 an hour, starting January 1, 2027.
Connecticut Minimum Wage Rises to $17.48 on January 1
Source: CT Mirror
State House · DelawareSigned
Delaware Law Requires Towns to Plan for Affordable Housing
What it means for youLarger towns and counties must plan for affordable homes, with a 20% goal. Projects that already follow local zoning get a by-right review.
State House · District of ColumbiaApproved
DC Council Passes FY2027 Budget Restoring Housing Vouchers and Child Care
What it means for youThe roughly $21 billion budget keeps housing vouchers, child care funding and paid family leave that the mayor proposed cutting. It relies partly on one-time money.
DC Council Passes FY2027 Budget Restoring Housing Vouchers and Child Care
Source: Street Sense Media
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
State House · MarylandIn Effect
Maryland Medicaid work-rule changes start Jan. 1, with new state job database
What it means for youIf you're 19 to 64 on expanded Medicaid, you'll need 80 work, training or volunteer hours monthly from Jan. 1, 2027. A new state database lists job-training options.
Maryland Medicaid work-rule changes start Jan. 1, with new state job database
Source: WYPR
State House · MassachusettsPassed Senate
Massachusetts Senate passes optional senior property tax exemption bill, S.2902
What it means for youIf your town opts in, income-eligible longtime senior homeowners could get a property tax exemption. The bill passed the Senate in January; House action was not confirmed.
State House · MichiganUpcoming
Michigan minimum wage rises to $15 an hour on Jan. 1, 2027
What it means for youWorkers now at $13.73 an hour are scheduled to move to $15.00 on Jan. 1, 2027. The tipped cash wage rises to $6.30.
State House · MinnesotaSigned
Minnesota boosts 2025 homestead credit refunds by 14.88 percent, one time
What it means for youHomeowners who qualify for the 2025 Homestead Credit Refund get a refund nearly 15% larger. If you already filed, the state adjusts it for you.
State House · MississippiSigned
Mississippi's HB 1 phases income tax down to 3% by 2030
What it means for youThe state income tax rate is set to fall to 3% by 2030, with later cuts possible. The law also cuts the grocery sales tax to 5% and raises the gas tax.
State House · MissouriSigned
Missouri law will automatically clear some criminal records
What it means for youEligible misdemeanors and nonviolent felonies will be cleared automatically, without you filing anything, after set waiting periods. Violent crimes and offenses against children are excluded.
State House · MontanaIn Effect
Montana's homestead rate lowers property taxes on primary homes
What it means for youIf you own and live in your Montana home at least seven months a year, you can get a lower property tax rate. Second homes generally pay more.
State House · NebraskaSigned
Nebraska locks in retroactive Medicaid coverage under LB958
What it means for youIf you get care before applying for Medicaid, Nebraska must cover those bills up to the federal limit: two months, or one month for expansion enrollees.
State House · NevadaProposed
Nevada lawmakers plan to bring back a senior rent cap in 2027
What it means for youNevada lawmakers plan to reintroduce a 10% cap on rent increases for seniors in 2027. Gov. Joe Lombardo has vetoed earlier versions twice.
Nevada lawmakers plan to bring back a senior rent cap in 2027
Source: Nevada Current
State House · New HampshireSigned
New Hampshire sets Medicaid work rules starting January 2027
What it means for youAdults on Granite Advantage, the state's Medicaid expansion, must show proof of 80 hours a month of work or other approved activity, unless exempt.
New Hampshire sets Medicaid work rules starting January 2027
Source: InDepthNH.org
State House · New JerseySigned
NJ budget keeps Stay NJ senior tax relief, with income tiers
What it means for youHomeowners 65 and older earning $100,000 or less can still get up to $6,500 in property tax relief. Incomes above $200,000 no longer qualify.
NJ budget keeps Stay NJ senior tax relief, with income tiers
Source: Jersey Vindicator
State House · New MexicoSigned
New Mexico law boosts fund that lowers health insurance premiums
What it means for youHouse Bill 4 sends more health insurance surtax money to the Health Care Affordability Fund, which helps lower premiums on BeWell plans. The governor signed it March 6, 2026.
State House · New YorkIn Effect
New York's Clean Slate Act: record sealing rolls out through 2027
What it means for youEligible misdemeanor convictions are sealed 3 years after release or sentencing, and felonies after 8, for many civil background checks. Courts have until November 16, 2027 to set up the system.
State House · North CarolinaSigned
NC signs first full budget since 2023, with Medicaid funded
What it means for youGov. Stein signed the 2026-27 budget July 7. It fully funds Medicaid, though federal changes will shift more Medicaid and SNAP costs to the state in coming years.
State House · North DakotaIn Effect
North Dakota's $1,600 homeowner credit and 3% levy cap
What it means for youMost North Dakota homeowners can get a $1,600 yearly credit on their primary home's property tax. Local governments' yearly property tax increases are capped at 3 percent.
State House · OhioSigned
Ohio House Bill 479 gives homestead seniors a one-time tax credit
What it means for youIf you get Ohio's homestead exemption, you should see an extra one-time credit of about $450 to $475 on a property tax bill, with no new application.
State House · OklahomaUpcoming
Oklahoma State Question 847 would lower property assessment caps
What it means for youVoters decide Nov. 3 whether to limit how fast a home's assessed value can rise each year. Supporters say it eases costs; critics worry about local budgets.
Oklahoma State Question 847 would lower property assessment caps
Source: Oklahoma Watch
State House · OregonDeveloping
Oregon weighs $421 million in Oregon Health Plan cuts
What it means for youOregon's Medicaid program covers about 1.4 million people. State leaders must close a $421 million budget gap, and federal changes could cost up to 200,000 adults their coverage.
State House · PennsylvaniaPassed House
Pennsylvania House passes $15 minimum wage bill; Senate has not voted
What it means for youPennsylvania's minimum wage is still $7.25. A House-passed bill would raise it to $15 by 2029, but it is not law unless the Senate passes it and the governor signs it.
Pennsylvania House passes $15 minimum wage bill; Senate has not voted
Source: CBS Pittsburgh
State House · Rhode IslandSigned
Rhode Island lets people clear up to four nonviolent felonies
What it means for youIf you have up to four nonviolent felony convictions, you can ask a judge to expunge them 15 years after finishing your last sentence.
State House · South CarolinaApproved
South Carolina raises senior homestead exemption to $75,000
What it means for youIf you are 65 or older, totally and permanently disabled, or legally blind, the first $75,000 of your home's value is now exempt from property tax, up from $50,000.
South Carolina raises senior homestead exemption to $75,000
- The 2026-27 state budget raises the Homestead Exemption from $50,000 to $75,000 for homeowners 65 or older, disabled, or legally blind.
- Gov. Henry McMaster issued line-item vetoes on August 17, 2026, and his statement lists the higher exemption among the budget's provisions.
- Senate Finance Chairman Harvey Peeler said he was pleased with the expansion, though senators had sought breaks up to $150,000 based on residency.
- The change costs the state more than $80 million, which reimburses counties for lost revenue, since property taxes fund local services.
Source: South Carolina Governor's Office
State House · South DakotaSigned
South Dakota signs two property tax relief laws for homeowners
What it means for youOwner-occupied homeowners could see lower property tax bills through a state fund and an optional county sales tax. The state sales tax rate returns to 4.5% in July 2027.
South Dakota signs two property tax relief laws for homeowners
- Gov. Larry Rhoden signed Senate Bill 96 and Senate Bill 245 on March 12, 2026.
- SB 96 lets counties adopt a sales tax of up to half a percent to offset property taxes on owner-occupied homes.
- SB 245 creates a homeowner property tax reduction fund, using the 0.3% sales tax rate that returns in July 2027.
- Rhoden calls it the largest property tax cut in state history. Critics, mostly Democrats, call it regressive and say the money could have gone to Medicaid, state employees and education.
▶ SDPB podcast: how SB 96 and SB 245 workSource: Dakota News Now (KOTA)
State House · TennesseeUpcoming
Tennessee voters decide Nov. 3 on banning a state property tax
What it means for youTennessee has no state property tax today. A yes vote would write that ban into the constitution. Local governments could still levy their own property taxes.
Tennessee voters decide Nov. 3 on banning a state property tax
- A constitutional amendment on the November 3, 2026 ballot would bar the legislature from creating a state property tax.
- The state property tax rate is currently set at zero, and the legislature could change that by a simple majority.
- Supporters, including sponsor Rep. Tandy Darby, say it puts taxpayers first and reinforces local control.
- Critics, including Sen. Heidi Campbell, say the ban belongs in state law, not the constitution, and could cause unexpected revenue and bond-rating problems.
Source: Ballotpedia
State House · TexasApproved
Texas seniors' school tax exemption rose to $60,000 after Prop 11
What it means for youTexas homeowners 65 or older, or with a qualifying disability, get a $60,000 school tax exemption, up from $10,000. It stacks on the $140,000 exemption for all homeowners.
Texas seniors' school tax exemption rose to $60,000 after Prop 11
- Voters approved Proposition 11 (SJR 85) on November 4, 2025, raising the exemption for owners 65 or older or disabled from $10,000 to $60,000.
- Stacked with Proposition 13's $140,000 exemption, eligible owners can shield $200,000 of home value from school property taxes.
- Sen. Paul Bettencourt's office estimated savings of about $907 a year for more than 2 million seniors.
- The Texas Tribune reports hundreds of thousands of eligible homeowners have not claimed an exemption. Ask your county appraisal district how to apply.
Source: Ballotpedia
State House · UtahSigned
Utah's H.B. 15 sets plan if federal Medicaid funds drop
What it means for youUtah's Medicaid expansion covers low-income adults. H.B. 15 sets steps for the state if federal matching funds are reduced.
Utah's H.B. 15 sets plan if federal Medicaid funds drop
- H.B. 15, Medicaid Amendments, sponsored by Rep. Steve Eliason and Sen. Keith Grover, was among the bills Gov. Spencer Cox signed in 2026.
- It changes the date Medicaid expansion will end if federal matching funds are reduced.
- It requires the Department of Health and Human Services to prepare a proposal if matching funds fall, and it creates a reporting requirement.
- Rep. Eliason described the bill as a precaution after the U.S. House proposed changes that would have reduced the federal match.
Source: Utah State Legislature
State House · VermontSigned
Vermont signs 2027 school property tax rates with $100 million buy-down
What it means for youEducation property tax rates in Vermont are still set to rise on average next year, but one-time state surplus money cuts the projected increase roughly in half.
State House · VirginiaSigned
Virginia law raises minimum wage to $15 by 2028
What it means for youVirginia's minimum wage rises from $12.77 to $13.75 on January 1, 2027, then to $15.00 on January 1, 2028. A related law extends coverage to farmworkers.
State House · WashingtonSigned
Washington expands senior property tax exemption starting 2027
What it means for youStarting with 2027 taxes, more Washingtonians 61 and older can qualify for property tax relief. Income limits vary by county.
Washington expands senior property tax exemption starting 2027
Source: KHQ
State House · West VirginiaUpcoming
West Virginia readies Medicaid work rules starting January 1, 2027
What it means for youMany adults 19 to 64 on expanded Medicaid must show 80 hours a month of work, school or volunteering to keep coverage. About 33,000 people could be affected.
State House · WisconsinFailed
Wisconsin Senate rejects $1.8 billion surplus, tax relief deal
What it means for youA plan for $300 or $600 rebate checks and school aid meant to ease property taxes failed in the state Senate in May. The Senate majority leader has said he wants to try again.
Wisconsin Senate rejects $1.8 billion surplus, tax relief deal
Source: WXPR
State House · WyomingUpcoming
Wyoming voters decide Prop 1: 50% home property tax exemption
What it means for youWyoming homeowners could get 50% off the taxable value of their primary home, not the land. State estimates say schools and local services would lose money.
Wyoming voters decide Prop 1: 50% home property tax exemption
- Prop 1 is a citizen initiative on the Nov. 3 ballot to exempt 50% of a primary home's assessed value.
- It covers the house, not the land, with no income or age limit.
- Supporters, including the Wyoming Republican Party, say homeowners deserve lasting relief from rising property taxes.
- State revenue officials estimate a $124.7 million first-year drop, mostly for schools; opponents warn of cuts to schools, ambulances and local services.
▶ Wyoming Public Radio: arguments for and against Prop 1Source: Ballotpedia
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City Hall · AtlantaApproved
Atlanta council votes 8-7 to sell city jail to Fulton County
What it means for youAtlanta would sell its detention center for up to $68 million to ease overcrowding at the county jail. Final lease and staffing details still need to be worked out.
Atlanta council votes 8-7 to sell city jail to Fulton County
- On October 19, 2026, the council voted 8-7 to let Mayor Andre Dickens sell the Atlanta City Detention Center for up to $68 million.
- The deal would give Fulton County more than 1,300 beds, and Atlanta would keep space for up to 100 municipal detainees.
- Supporters say the sale saves an estimated $20 million a year and lets the city spend more on keeping people out of jail.
- Critics, including Council Members Kelsea Bond and Eshé Collins, say it does not fix conditions at the Fulton County Jail or answer questions about diversion.
▶ Video: Atlanta council approves jail saleSource: WSB-TV
City Hall · New York CityApproved
NYC Council raises rent-freeze income limit for seniors to $75,000
What it means for youSeniors and people with disabilities in rent-regulated apartments can qualify for a rent freeze with household income up to $75,000, up from $50,000, applied from July 1, 2026.
NYC Council raises rent-freeze income limit for seniors to $75,000
- On October 22, 2026, the Council passed Intro 978-B by Council Member Farah Louis, raising the SCRIE and DRIE income cap from $50,000 to $75,000.
- It applies from July 1, 2026, and uses the state law's definition of income to decide eligibility.
- SCRIE and DRIE freeze rent for eligible seniors and tenants with disabilities, and landlords get a property tax credit for the difference.
- About 57% of eligible New Yorkers are not enrolled, and a council member estimated the change costs $44 million.
Source: New York City Council
City Hall · Los AngelesUnder Review
LA Council shelves mansion tax ballot change, studies narrower tax credit
What it means for youMeasure ULA, the tax on property sales above about $5.3 million, stays in place, with narrower changes under review. Its revenue funds affordable housing and renter help.
LA Council shelves mansion tax ballot change, studies narrower tax credit
Source: LAist
City Hall · ChicagoProposed
Chicago mayor proposes $17.6 billion 2027 budget with head tax
What it means for youMayor Johnson wants a per-employee tax on larger employers and new fees to close an $882 million gap. A bloc of 29 aldermen opposes the head tax.
City Hall · HoustonApproved
Houston council OKs sale of southwest land for affordable homes
What it means for youHouston City Council approved selling 12 acres in southwest Houston to a developer to build dozens of affordable single-family homes, aimed at families priced out of the market.
Houston council OKs sale of southwest land for affordable homes
- Houston City Council voted this month to sell a 12-acre property in southwest Houston to a developer.
- The sale price is more than $13 million, and the plan is dozens of affordable single-family homes.
- The goal is to open homeownership to families priced out of Houston's housing market.
- The report does not list home prices or who will qualify.
Source: ABC13 Houston
City Hall · PhiladelphiaUnder Review
Philadelphia Council votes to make City Hall bike lane permanent
What it means for youA bike lane around City Hall that already exists would become permanent, which matters if you walk, bike or drive downtown. It still needs the mayor's signature.
Philadelphia Council votes to make City Hall bike lane permanent
- City Council voted unanimously to make the bike lane around Penn Square at City Hall permanent.
- The lane already runs there and replaced a vehicle travel lane.
- The measure now goes to the mayor for a signature before it is final.
- The city's 2024 Vision Zero report counted 84 fatal crashes through October 2024, compared with 100 at that point in 2023.
Source: Hoodline
City Hall · DetroitApproved
Detroit Council Allows HOPE Property Tax Relief Applications Until Nov. 6
What it means for youDetroit homeowners who live in their home and have limited income can still apply by November 6 to reduce or erase their property taxes.
Detroit Council Allows HOPE Property Tax Relief Applications Until Nov. 6
Source: City of Detroit
City Hall · Washington, DCUnder Review
DC Council Weighs Higher Property Tax on Luxury Second Homes
What it means for youA proposed tax would hit about 600 second homes worth over $2.5 million, not primary residences. No tax is law yet.
DC Council Weighs Higher Property Tax on Luxury Second Homes
Source: WJLA 7News
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