SNAP Benefits Rise Slightly as Federal Cost Shifts to States Take Effect
Starting October 1, 2026, maximum monthly SNAP benefits increase slightly for inflation, while states assume a larger share of administrative costs under new federal law.
Tag
Federal Policy
All articles tagged with #federal policy
SNAP Benefits Rise Slightly as New State Cost Shares and Stricter Rules Take Effect
Effective October 1, 2026, maximum monthly SNAP benefits increase slightly to offset inflation, while states assume a larger share of administrative costs. New federal rules also tighten eligibility verification, potentially reducing overall enrollment.
NC counties face $52M SNAP cost hike as federal Medicaid rules restrict noncitizen access
Effective October 1, 2026, new federal regulations from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act impose significant financial burdens on North Carolina counties for SNAP administration and restrict Medicaid eligibility for certain noncitizens. While children under 19 and recently pregnant lawful residents remain eligible, the changes are expected to increase administrative costs by $52 million this fiscal year and $69 million annually starting in 2027.
Education Department Extends Autopay Interest Discount Deadline to December 31
The U.S. Department of Education has extended the deadline for federal student loan borrowers to enroll in autopay and secure a temporary 1% interest rate reduction. The new deadline is December 31, 2026, replacing the previous September 30 cutoff. This benefit, which lasts until June 30, 2028, is part of the new Repayment Assistance Plan (RAP). Nearly 2 million borrowers have already enrolled since the program's launch in June.
White House Launches America.gov: AI-Powered Portal for Federal Services
The White House launched America.gov on September 29, 2026, an AI-driven platform designed to consolidate federal services and information. The site uses generative AI to answer citizen queries about tasks like voting registration and Medicare, aiming to simplify access to government resources.
Education Department Extends Autopay Interest Discount Deadline to December 31
The U.S. Department of Education has extended the deadline for federal student loan borrowers to enroll in autopay and receive a temporary 1-percentage-point interest rate discount. The new deadline is December 31, 2026, replacing the previous September 30 cutoff. This move follows the launch of the discount in June and aims to boost repayment rates amid high delinquency figures.
Costco Channels $184M Tariff Windfall Into Price Cuts Amid Broader Refund Wave
Costco has received $184 million in refunds from the federal government for tariffs struck down by the Supreme Court. The retailer plans to use these funds to lower prices on everyday and non-food items. This follows a strong fourth quarter where Costco reported nearly $96 billion in revenue, an 11% increase year-over-year, and a 15% rise in net income. The refunds are part of a broader wave of reimbursements expected after a federal judge ruled that importers are entitled to money back for unconstitutional taxes imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act.
Trump Admin Eyes Yosemite Parcel Swap for Private Developer
The Trump administration proposed transferring a small parcel inside Yosemite National Park to a private Las Vegas–based developer to build a road and two 40-acre parcels near the park. The plan isn’t finalized and has drawn opposition from conservationists and former Park Service officials who say Yosemite, the crown jewel of the national park system, should remain undeveloped. The details come from documents reviewed by The New York Times, with initial reporting by NOTUS, and were submitted to Congress this year.
Opponents Seek Stay on Cannabis Rescheduling Over Costs and Abuse Concerns
A drug-testing industry group (NDASA) and MMJ International Holdings urge a DC court to pause the government’s move to reschedule cannabis from Schedule I to Schedule III, arguing the change would raise drug-testing costs, create liability risks, and potentially increase marijuana abuse; they contend the challengers have standing and that the rulemaking was improper, as three consolidated lawsuits proceed and a DEA hearing continues, while opponents warn the policy would harm public safety and the industry’s ability to operate.
Federal housing bill could accelerate California construction
The biggest housing bill in decades became law even without President Trump’s signature, aimed at jumpstarting housing construction nationwide through city-building grants, cheaper regulatory pathways for pre-built housing, and disaster-recovery programs. California—where prices are among the nation’s highest and demand is greatest—could benefit from incentives to build more, but the state still faces a deep shortage and ongoing affordability challenges as the law takes effect automatically.
IonQ Poised for Federal Quantum Push Under 2028 Security Deadline
Trump signs two executive orders to accelerate quantum computing and migrate to post-quantum cryptography by 2028, setting federal deadlines for a functional quantum computer and encryption upgrades. IonQ is named as a key technology partner, signaling potential federal funding, partnerships, and workforce programs as quantum-as-a-service and quantum-security offerings align with the policy shift. Investors should watch for government contracts and pilots, but face risks from funding delays and potential dilution as these initiatives play out.
Eight Federal Student-Loan Shifts Borrowers Must Watch Ahead of July 1
Federal student-loan policy is tightening before July deadlines: the SAVE plan has ended and borrowers must pick a new repayment plan within 90 days; ICR and PAYE are being phased out by 2028, leaving Standard or RAP (1–10% of AGI) with a $10 minimum and 30-year forgiveness. Parent PLUS loans must be consolidated and placed in an IDR by July 1, 2026 to keep benefits, with existing borrowers potentially remaining on current plans until 2028. New borrowing limits take effect July 1, 2026 (e.g., up to $65,000 lifetime for Parent PLUS; graduate loans $20,500/year; professional loans $50,000/year). Existing Parent PLUS loans face no limits for up to three more years. Deferment and forbearance programs are being eliminated for newer loans starting July 1, 2027, with forbearance capped at nine months every two years. FAFSA remains required and private loans remain available; borrowers should check studentaid.gov for current options.
Delinquent Parents Face Passport Revocation Over Unpaid Child Support
AP reports that the U.S. government plans to revoke or deny passports for parents who are behind on child support, expanding enforcement tools to collect unpaid obligations.
Trump reclassifies state-licensed medical cannabis in landmark policy shift
President Trump reclassified state-licensed medical marijuana as a less-dangerous drug, marking a historic shift in how cannabis is treated at the federal level and signaling potential broader reforms, even as states continue to regulate medical cannabis.
Trump admin eyes reclassifying marijuana to Schedule II to boost medical research
The Trump administration is preparing to move marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule II, a change that would allow more medical research by the DEA and scientists. The plan would begin with an administrative hearing, and Trump has said the move is not federal decriminalization. Biden-era guidance had suggested Schedule III as an alternative, and polls show growing public support for loosening restrictions, though current penalties and federal status would largely remain unchanged.