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Federal Spending
SNAP, Medicaid cuts hit NY in new federal budget
A sweeping federal budget bill narrowly passed in the U.S. House this week, with major implications for New York. While the legislation raises the State and Local Tax (SALT) deduction cap, it also slashes billions ... more
U.S. GDP shrinks 0.3% as Trump blames Biden for weak economy
The U.S. economy contracted for the first time in three years, with gross domestic product (GDP) falling 0.3% in the first quarter of 2025. The decline—driven by a surge in imports and a drop in ... more
Medicare Advantage payments rise 5.06% for 2026
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has finalized a 5.06% average increase in payments to Medicare Advantage plans for 2026—nearly double its earlier estimate. The announcement marks a major policy shift affecting millions ... more
DOGE stimulus check 2025: What we know about the proposed $5,000 payments
A new proposal from the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has sparked intense national interest: $5,000 stimulus checks funded by cuts to federal spending. But as of April 2025, no checks have been approved—and confusion ... more
