Policy updates

Short, dated notes on federal and Virginia policy, by the people who lobby on it.

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Oct. 1, 2026Federal

Fiscal year 2027 has begun. What a continuing resolution would mean for grant recipients

The federal fiscal year starts Oct. 1. When Congress has not passed the spending bills, a continuing resolution keeps programs running at the old rate.

By Carol HenshawFounding principal · 1 min read

Carol HenshawFounding principalAll updates by Carol

10 updates, newest first. Showing 1 to 10.

Sept. 24, 2026

Virginia

Before the 2027 session: when to ask a legislator to carry your bill

The General Assembly convenes Jan. 13, 2027. The time to find a patron is the fall before.

By Elena Ruiz-Hartley
Sept. 17, 2026

Federal

Commenting on a proposed Medicare payment rule: what agency staff actually read

A comment changes a final rule when it gives the agency data it does not have.

By Vivian Do
Sept. 10, 2026

Federal

Third-quarter lobbying reports are due Oct. 20

Quarterly LD-2 reports for July through September are due Oct. 20, 2026.

By Jonah Whitcomb
Sept. 3, 2026

Virginia

An odd-year session: why 2027 is about budget amendments

Virginia adopts a two-year budget in even years. In odd years, the session amends it.

By Elena Ruiz-Hartley
Aug. 27, 2026

Federal

Surface transportation: where the next bill starts

The 2021 infrastructure law authorized highway and transit programs through fiscal year 2026.

By Mark Tolliver
Aug. 20, 2026

Federal

Funding requests for a specific project: how they work

The House calls them Community Project Funding, the Senate Congressionally Directed Spending.

By Carol Henshaw
Aug. 13, 2026

Virginia

Lobbying in Virginia: registration basics

Lobbyists in Virginia register with the Secretary of the Commonwealth.

By Elena Ruiz-Hartley
Aug. 6, 2026

Federal

How to read a Federal Register notice before the comment deadline

Three parts of a notice tell you most of what you need: the summary, the dates and the docket number.

By Ryan Kessler
July 30, 2026

Federal

Coalitions: when joining one helps, and when it does not

A coalition is worth joining when its ask is your ask.

By Jonah Whitcomb

General information. Policy updates are not legal advice, and each is dated when published.

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