https://whatdidgovtdofor.you/ Concrete things government did for people, who made them happen, and whether they still stand. en-us https://whatdidgovtdofor.you/action/nyc-copa-nonprofits-first-chance-to-buy-buildings/ https://whatdidgovtdofor.you/action/nyc-copa-nonprofits-first-chance-to-buy-buildings/ Tue, 10 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMT Under the Community Opportunity to Purchase Act, owners selling about 2,100 distressed or rent-restricted NYC apartment buildings must first give vetted nonprofits and land trusts a chance to buy. The rules start in November 2027. https://whatdidgovtdofor.you/action/wic-online-grocery-ordering/ https://whatdidgovtdofor.you/action/wic-online-grocery-ordering/ Fri, 06 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMT A USDA rule taking effect Dec. 7, 2026 will let states authorize online WIC purchases without a special waiver. Availability will depend on each state's choice and authorized internet vendors' service areas. https://whatdidgovtdofor.you/action/nyc-dekalb-lafayette-b38-bus-lanes/ https://whatdidgovtdofor.you/action/nyc-dekalb-lafayette-b38-bus-lanes/ Thu, 05 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMT In November 2026, New York City began building bus lanes, protected bike lanes, and safety upgrades on DeKalb and Lafayette avenues in Brooklyn. The B38 runs on both avenues and carries 18,000 riders a day. https://whatdidgovtdofor.you/action/nyc-health-bucks-snap-produce-match-increase/ https://whatdidgovtdofor.you/action/nyc-health-bucks-snap-produce-match-increase/ Thu, 29 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMT Starting in January 2027, New York City's Health Bucks program will match SNAP spending on fruits and vegetables at more than 100 farmers markets and farm stands up to $14 a day. The current limit is $10. https://whatdidgovtdofor.you/action/nyc-fair-fares-check-box-enrollment-snap/ https://whatdidgovtdofor.you/action/nyc-fair-fares-check-box-enrollment-snap/ Sat, 24 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMT A 2026 city law makes the Department of Social Services let SNAP and cash assistance recipients join Fair Fares, which cuts subway and bus fares in half, with their consent and the paperwork they already file. The sign-up must be ready by October 2027. https://whatdidgovtdofor.you/action/ny-2026-a1962-gun-safe-storage/ https://whatdidgovtdofor.you/action/ny-2026-a1962-gun-safe-storage/ Wed, 21 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMT Starting Jan. 19, 2027, every New York gun owner must keep a gun in a locked container or locked so it can't fire when it's out of their control. Before, the rule covered only homes with a child or someone barred from having guns. https://whatdidgovtdofor.you/action/nyc-child-care-vouchers-for-10000-waitlisted-kids/ https://whatdidgovtdofor.you/action/nyc-child-care-vouchers-for-10000-waitlisted-kids/ Mon, 05 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMT Starting in fall 2026, New York City is inviting more than 10,000 low-income children off its child care voucher waitlist. The vouchers pay for care at a provider the family chooses, and the city has ended copays, so the care is free. https://whatdidgovtdofor.you/action/nyc-doordash-delivery-workers-115-million-back-pay/ https://whatdidgovtdofor.you/action/nyc-doordash-delivery-workers-115-million-back-pay/ Fri, 18 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMT A city settlement requires DoorDash to put $115.5 million into payments for more than 260,000 New York City delivery workers it underpaid, paid late, or failed to pay. Workers do not need to file a claim. https://whatdidgovtdofor.you/action/nyc-doordash-pays-back-underpaid-delivery-workers/ https://whatdidgovtdofor.you/action/nyc-doordash-pays-back-underpaid-delivery-workers/ Fri, 18 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMT In a September 2026 settlement with the city, DoorDash agreed to pay more than 260,000 delivery workers it underpaid, never paid, or paid late from April 2022 to June 2026. Workers don't need to file a claim. https://whatdidgovtdofor.you/action/nyc-lead-dust-limits-lowered-20-percent/ https://whatdidgovtdofor.you/action/nyc-lead-dust-limits-lowered-20-percent/ Thu, 17 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMT Since Nov. 5, 2026, NYC has treated lead dust as a hazard at 4 micrograms per square foot on floors, down from 5. The 32 µg/ft² windowsill limit applies to investigations and clearance tests; the 80 µg/ft² window-well limit applies only after lead work. https://whatdidgovtdofor.you/action/disaster-loss-deduction-without-itemizing-through-2026/ https://whatdidgovtdofor.you/action/disaster-loss-deduction-without-itemizing-through-2026/ Fri, 11 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMT If a federally declared disaster that began between Dec. 28, 2019 and the end of 2026 damaged your home or belongings, you can deduct the uninsured loss above $500, and you don't have to itemize. Qualified wildfire relief payments for uncompensated losses also aren't taxed. https://whatdidgovtdofor.you/action/ny-2026-a6950-construction-reporting-pay/ https://whatdidgovtdofor.you/action/ny-2026-a6950-construction-reporting-pay/ Wed, 09 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMT Starting Dec. 8, 2026, construction workers sent home after reporting get up to four hours' pay at their promised rate. Covered prevailing-wage jobs guarantee four hours, including benefits. A shift canceled with less than 12 hours' notice earns two hours' pay. https://whatdidgovtdofor.you/action/ny-2026-s3460-personnel-file-access/ https://whatdidgovtdofor.you/action/ny-2026-s3460-personnel-file-access/ Wed, 09 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMT Since Nov. 8, 2026, New York employers must give workers a free copy of their personnel file within five business days of a written request, and must notify them within 10 days when negative information is added. https://whatdidgovtdofor.you/action/nyc-older-adult-wellness-checks-extreme-weather/ https://whatdidgovtdofor.you/action/nyc-older-adult-wellness-checks-extreme-weather/ Tue, 18 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMT Under Local Law 130 of 2026, NYC Aging must check by phone or in person on older adults it knows lack support at home during cold weather alerts and extreme heat. Its plan for the checks is due Feb. 1, 2027. https://whatdidgovtdofor.you/action/nyc-paraprofessionals-10000-respect-check/ https://whatdidgovtdofor.you/action/nyc-paraprofessionals-10000-respect-check/ Tue, 18 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMT A 2026 city law requires the Department of Education to pay each eligible paraprofessional up to $10,000 for work in the 2026-27 school year. The money comes in four installments from January to August 2027, but the mayor's administration has sued to block it. https://whatdidgovtdofor.you/action/nyc-child-care-copays-eliminated/ https://whatdidgovtdofor.you/action/nyc-child-care-copays-eliminated/ Thu, 13 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMT Starting in September 2026, New York City covers the sliding-scale fees that about 22,000 low-income families paid toward subsidized child care. Families don't have to do anything to get the savings. https://whatdidgovtdofor.you/action/nyc-ll-2026-126-rent-voucher/ https://whatdidgovtdofor.you/action/nyc-ll-2026-126-rent-voucher/ Thu, 30 Jul 2026 00:00:00 GMT A 2026 city law creates a rent voucher for lower-income rent-stabilized tenants in nonpayment eviction cases and certain shelter residents. Households generally contribute 30% of adjusted income, while the city pays the covered balance up to a rent limit. https://whatdidgovtdofor.you/action/big-investors-barred-from-buying-more-homes/ https://whatdidgovtdofor.you/action/big-investors-barred-from-buying-more-homes/ Sat, 11 Jul 2026 00:00:00 GMT Starting January 7, 2027, companies and funds that control 350 or more single-family homes are barred from buying more, with exceptions such as new build-to-rent homes. Homes they already own stay with them, and the ban lasts 15 years. https://whatdidgovtdofor.you/action/nyc-click-to-cancel/ https://whatdidgovtdofor.you/action/nyc-click-to-cancel/ Fri, 10 Jul 2026 00:00:00 GMT Since Oct. 1, 2026, businesses serving New York City consumers with covered subscriptions must let you cancel the same way you signed up, send certain renewal notices, and stop stalling cancellations. Fines start at $525 per violation. https://whatdidgovtdofor.you/action/nyc-485x-construction-wage-enforcement/ https://whatdidgovtdofor.you/action/nyc-485x-construction-wage-enforcement/ Tue, 30 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMT City rules effective July 30, 2026 spell out how construction workers on 485-x housing sites with at least 100 apartments can report underpayment and recover wages and benefits with interest. The combined floor rose to $42.03 an hour that July. https://whatdidgovtdofor.you/action/nyc-fair-fares-200-percent/ https://whatdidgovtdofor.you/action/nyc-fair-fares-200-percent/ Tue, 30 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMT The city's 2027 budget raises the Fair Fares income limit from 150% to 200% of the poverty line, about $32,000 a year for one person or $66,000 for a family of four. The higher limit takes effect Nov. 30, 2026. https://whatdidgovtdofor.you/action/nyc-kids-rise-1000-college-savings/ https://whatdidgovtdofor.you/action/nyc-kids-rise-1000-college-savings/ Tue, 30 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMT The city's 2027 budget raises the NYC Kids RISE scholarship for 2026–27 public school kindergartners from $100 to $1,000. Enrollment is automatic after 60 days in a participating school unless a family opts out. https://whatdidgovtdofor.you/action/va-budget-child-care-subsidy-6700-more-slots/ https://whatdidgovtdofor.you/action/va-budget-child-care-subsidy-6700-more-slots/ Mon, 29 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMT Virginia's 2026–2028 budget adds $137.6 million for about 6,700 additional child care subsidy slots a year for children from birth to 5. The state said the money could serve all families then waiting, though about 2,200 families remained on waitlists as of Sept. 1. https://whatdidgovtdofor.you/action/va-premium-savings-marketplace-premiums-up-to-70-percent-off/ https://whatdidgovtdofor.you/action/va-premium-savings-marketplace-premiums-up-to-70-percent-off/ Mon, 29 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMT A $150 million state fund lowers average net premiums for eligible Virginians with incomes from 138% to 250% of the poverty line who buy 2027 Marketplace coverage. It partly replaces enhanced federal help that expired in 2025. https://whatdidgovtdofor.you/action/nyc-rent-freeze-2026/ https://whatdidgovtdofor.you/action/nyc-rent-freeze-2026/ Thu, 25 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMT The Rent Guidelines Board voted 7–1 to set a 0% guideline increase on one- and two-year leases in about 1 million rent-stabilized apartments, for leases starting Oct. 1, 2026 through Sept. 30, 2027. It's the first freeze ever on two-year leases. https://whatdidgovtdofor.you/action/nyc-2k-free-child-care/ https://whatdidgovtdofor.you/action/nyc-2k-free-child-care/ Thu, 28 May 2026 00:00:00 GMT Since Sept. 10, 2026, about 2,000 two-year-olds attend free 2-K programs, most open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. year-round. The city and state plan about 12,000 seats across all five boroughs in fall 2027. https://whatdidgovtdofor.you/action/ny-2026-budget-child-dependent-care-credit/ https://whatdidgovtdofor.you/action/ny-2026-budget-child-dependent-care-credit/ Thu, 28 May 2026 00:00:00 GMT For 2026 tax returns, New York replaces its old child and dependent care credit with a larger refundable credit for full-year residents. It covers up to 55% of eligible care costs. About 230,000 filers are projected to get $576 more on average. https://whatdidgovtdofor.you/action/ny-2026-budget-power-energy-rebate/ https://whatdidgovtdofor.you/action/ny-2026-budget-power-energy-rebate/ Thu, 28 May 2026 00:00:00 GMT New York is mailing one-time POWER checks to 8.2 million eligible New Yorkers. Joint filers get $150 or $200 with 2024 state adjusted gross income up to $300,000; other eligible filers get $100 with income up to $150,000. Mailing runs through December 2026. https://whatdidgovtdofor.you/action/ny-2026-budget-suny-cuny-tuition-freeze/ https://whatdidgovtdofor.you/action/ny-2026-budget-suny-cuny-tuition-freeze/ Thu, 28 May 2026 00:00:00 GMT New York's 2026-27 budget freezes tuition for New York residents at SUNY's state-operated campuses and CUNY's senior colleges. The state added money to cover the revenue a tuition hike would have raised. SUNY also froze its broad-based fees. https://whatdidgovtdofor.you/action/ny-2026-landlord-harassment-felony-across-buildings/ https://whatdidgovtdofor.you/action/ny-2026-landlord-harassment-felony-across-buildings/ Thu, 28 May 2026 00:00:00 GMT Since May 2026, New York owners who systematically harass three or more rent-regulated tenants in two or more buildings to push them out can face a class D felony and up to 7 years in prison. Repeat class E offenders can face it too. https://whatdidgovtdofor.you/action/ny-2026-universal-pre-k/ https://whatdidgovtdofor.you/action/ny-2026-universal-pre-k/ Thu, 28 May 2026 00:00:00 GMT The 2026 state budget requires every school district to offer free, full-day pre-K to every eligible 4-year-old whose family applies by the 2028–29 school year. The state projected 402 public school districts would add seats in 2026–27. https://whatdidgovtdofor.you/action/ny-2026-budget-tier-6-pension-relief/ https://whatdidgovtdofor.you/action/ny-2026-budget-tier-6-pension-relief/ Tue, 26 May 2026 00:00:00 GMT Since Oct. 1, 2026, many Tier 6 members pay 3% to 5.75% of their pay toward their pensions, down from as much as 6%. Tier 6 teachers with 30 years of service can retire at 58 without a reduction instead of waiting until 63. https://whatdidgovtdofor.you/action/va-2026-hb5-paid-sick-leave/ https://whatdidgovtdofor.you/action/va-2026-hb5-paid-sick-leave/ Wed, 20 May 2026 00:00:00 GMT Starting July 2027, covered Virginia workers will earn one hour of paid sick leave for every 30 hours they work, up to 40 hours a year. Large employers go first; by January 2029, covered employers of every size are included. https://whatdidgovtdofor.you/action/nyc-2026-3k-2000-new-seats/ https://whatdidgovtdofor.you/action/nyc-2026-3k-2000-new-seats/ Mon, 18 May 2026 00:00:00 GMT For the 2026-27 school year, New York City is adding 2,000 free 3-K seats in all five boroughs, aimed at 56 ZIP codes where families wanted more seats than providers had. That roughly doubled the more than 1,000-seat expansion announced in March. https://whatdidgovtdofor.you/action/va-2026-hb26-marijuana-resentencing-hearings/ https://whatdidgovtdofor.you/action/va-2026-hb26-marijuana-resentencing-hearings/ Thu, 14 May 2026 00:00:00 GMT People still incarcerated or under supervision on July 1, 2026, for certain marijuana felonies committed before Virginia legalized possession get an automatic hearing to shorten or end their sentences. Courts must schedule the first hearings by Jan. 1, 2027. https://whatdidgovtdofor.you/action/va-2026-hb329-landlord-retaliation-damages/ https://whatdidgovtdofor.you/action/va-2026-hb329-landlord-retaliation-damages/ Thu, 14 May 2026 00:00:00 GMT Starting Jan. 1, 2027, Virginia law explicitly bars more forms of retaliation, including harassment, fee increases, selective rule enforcement, and certain lease nonrenewals, after tenants complain or organize. https://whatdidgovtdofor.you/action/va-2026-hb627-health-care-noncompete-ban/ https://whatdidgovtdofor.you/action/va-2026-hb627-health-care-noncompete-ban/ Thu, 14 May 2026 00:00:00 GMT Since July 1, 2026, Virginia employers can't put noncompetes in new or renewed contracts for licensed nurses, doctors, counselors, optometrists, psychologists, or social workers—or enforce or threaten to enforce those clauses. Each violation carries a $10,000 civil penalty. https://whatdidgovtdofor.you/action/va-2026-hb848-rent-escrow-repairs/ https://whatdidgovtdofor.you/action/va-2026-hb848-rent-escrow-repairs/ Thu, 14 May 2026 00:00:00 GMT Starting Jan. 1, 2027, Virginia tenants can ask a court to make a landlord fix problems like no heat, no water, rodents, or lead paint without first paying rent into court. Missing an escrow deadline can no longer get the case thrown out. https://whatdidgovtdofor.you/action/va-2026-hb95-rent-payment-plan-before-eviction/ https://whatdidgovtdofor.you/action/va-2026-hb95-rent-payment-plan-before-eviction/ Thu, 14 May 2026 00:00:00 GMT Starting July 1, 2027, a landlord with more than four Virginia rental units must offer a tenant who owes up to one month's rent a plan to pay it off over as long as six months before ending the lease. https://whatdidgovtdofor.you/action/va-2026-sb230-expungement-not-convicted/ https://whatdidgovtdofor.you/action/va-2026-sb230-expungement-not-convicted/ Thu, 14 May 2026 00:00:00 GMT Starting Dec. 1, 2026, more Virginians whose cases ended without a conviction can ask a court to erase police and court records. The law covers some deferred cases and lets one petition include charges from separate incidents. https://whatdidgovtdofor.you/action/va-employers-cant-use-immigration-threats-to-cheat-pay/ https://whatdidgovtdofor.you/action/va-employers-cant-use-immigration-threats-to-cheat-pay/ Thu, 14 May 2026 00:00:00 GMT Since July 1, 2026, a Virginia employer that threatens a worker over their or their family's immigration status to get around wage laws can be fined up to $12,000 per violation. Workers have 180 days to file a complaint with the state. https://whatdidgovtdofor.you/action/virginia-beach-vehicle-tax-credit-2026/ https://whatdidgovtdofor.you/action/virginia-beach-vehicle-tax-credit-2026/ Tue, 12 May 2026 00:00:00 GMT The city's 2026–27 budget gives a one-time 10.1% credit on the tax for the first $20,000 of each personal vehicle's value, about $48 on an average car and up to $80. The City Council approved it 11–0 on May 12, 2026. https://whatdidgovtdofor.you/action/va-2026-faith-in-housing-by-right-affordable-homes/ https://whatdidgovtdofor.you/action/va-2026-faith-in-housing-by-right-affordable-homes/ Wed, 22 Apr 2026 00:00:00 GMT Starting Jan. 1, 2027, qualifying religious organizations and certain property-tax-exempt 501(c)(3) nonprofits that have owned land for five years can build housing there by right, if at least 60% of the units stay affordable for 30 years. https://whatdidgovtdofor.you/action/va-2026-gun-storage-around-children/ https://whatdidgovtdofor.you/action/va-2026-gun-storage-around-children/ Wed, 22 Apr 2026 00:00:00 GMT Since July 1, 2026, anyone with a gun in a Virginia home must secure it when a child covered by the law or a person prohibited from possessing guns is present. https://whatdidgovtdofor.you/action/va-2026-hb1100-treasurer-wage-lien-25-percent-cap/ https://whatdidgovtdofor.you/action/va-2026-hb1100-treasurer-wage-lien-25-percent-cap/ Wed, 22 Apr 2026 00:00:00 GMT Since July 1, 2026, a Virginia local tax collector can take no more than 25% of pay after legally required deductions for overdue taxes or charges if your latest adjusted gross income is within 250% of the poverty guideline for your household size. https://whatdidgovtdofor.you/action/va-2026-hb1182-birth-control-coverage/ https://whatdidgovtdofor.you/action/va-2026-hb1182-birth-control-coverage/ Wed, 22 Apr 2026 00:00:00 GMT Starting with plans issued or renewed on or after Jan. 1, 2027, Virginia-regulated health plans with outpatient prescription coverage must cover FDA-approved birth control, including over-the-counter products. OTC hormonal birth control costs $0 at in-network pharmacies. https://whatdidgovtdofor.you/action/va-2026-hb238-wage-theft-double-damages/ https://whatdidgovtdofor.you/action/va-2026-hb238-wage-theft-double-damages/ Wed, 22 Apr 2026 00:00:00 GMT Since July 1, 2026, Virginia workers denied minimum wage, overtime, or prevailing wage, or misclassified as contractors, can sue for back pay plus an equal amount, or triple for knowing violations. A good-faith employer that pays within 14 days of notice avoids extra damages. https://whatdidgovtdofor.you/action/va-2026-hb569-prevailing-wage-universities/ https://whatdidgovtdofor.you/action/va-2026-hb569-prevailing-wage-universities/ Wed, 22 Apr 2026 00:00:00 GMT For contracts initiated after July 1, 2027, covered public universities must require the prevailing wage on state-funded construction worth $5 million or more. Virginia law also directs the state to set those rates from Virginia-area surveys every three years. https://whatdidgovtdofor.you/action/va-2026-hb636-pay-transparency/ https://whatdidgovtdofor.you/action/va-2026-hb636-pay-transparency/ Wed, 22 Apr 2026 00:00:00 GMT Since July 1, 2026, Virginia employers must list a good-faith pay range in every public and internal job posting. They can't ask what you earned at past jobs or use it to set your pay. https://whatdidgovtdofor.you/action/va-2026-hb678-90-day-rent-increase-notice/ https://whatdidgovtdofor.you/action/va-2026-hb678-90-day-rent-increase-notice/ Wed, 22 Apr 2026 00:00:00 GMT Starting July 1, 2027, larger Virginia landlords must give renters whose leases allow renewal at least 90 days' written notice of a rent increase before the lease ends, up from 60. Renters get at least 30 days to decide whether to renew.