California proposes $11.25 billion housing bond, the largest in state history, for affordable housing.
Flathead Beacon.
California has proposed an $11.25 billion housing bond aimed at addressing the state's affordable housing crisis, marking the largest bond of its kind in state history. The bond is intended to fund the construction of affordable housing units across California, responding to the urgent need for more accessible housing options.
If approved, the bond would provide significant financial resources to local governments and developers to create new housing projects. This initiative reflects California's ongoing struggle with high housing costs and a shortage of affordable homes, which has been exacerbated by population growth and economic pressures. The proposal is part of a broader strategy to improve housing availability and affordability for residents throughout the state.
**Sources:** Flathead Beacon, The Bryan Times, The Columbia Missourian, The Norfolk Daily News, The San Francisco Standard, The Yonkers Times, Yahoo! Inc.
Thousands of Illinois residents lose Medicaid coverage from changes in federal budget law.
Central Oregon Daily News.
More than 9,300 Illinois residents have lost their Medicaid coverage due to changes in federal budget law enacted under President Trump, which took effect on October 1, 2026. These changes primarily affect certain lawfully present immigrants who previously qualified for Medicaid, leaving many families in search of affordable healthcare options.
In response to this crisis, Get Covered Illinois has initiated a special enrollment period that will last until December 31, 2026. This initiative allows eligible residents to sign up for health insurance and potentially receive financial assistance. However, starting January 1, 2027, this group will no longer qualify for marketplace premium tax credits, significantly limiting their financial assistance options.
Illinois officials, including Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton, have criticized the federal changes, emphasizing the state's commitment to protecting residents who have lost their health coverage. The special enrollment period is crucial for individuals needing ongoing medical treatment, as those without replacement coverage may face significant out-of-pocket expenses.
State officials are actively encouraging affected residents to explore their options before the enrollment deadline. Assistance is available in multiple languages through certified navigators and licensed insurance brokers.
**Sources:** Central Oregon Daily News, Chicago Crusader, Dark Horse Press, InDepth New Hampshire, KUOW Public Radio, North Carolina Voices, OpenPR, Providence Business News, WMTW-TV.