subsidies

Nor would Kennedy have the power to reform farm subsidies to encourage organic and regenerative agriculture.

Those subsidies — which include rent, medical expenses and transportation to doctors’ offices — cost about $3 million per year.

If the new Congress fails to renew Biden-era subsidies, as many as 20 million users — especially middle and high income families — will see their health insurance costs rise.

A more immediate target may be a set of enhanced subsidies for people buying health insurance through Affordable Care Act marketplaces, which are due to expire at the end of 2025.

But supporters of Measure A warn that homelessness will spike dramatically if the sales tax expires, drying up funds for temporary beds and rental subsidies, among other services.