ISSUE 154 | April 28, 2022

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From Around the Region and the State Economic and Policy News

Governor releases $5.23 million to protect diverse communities  Governor Tom Wolf has announced that more than $5.23 million will be awarded to 120 churches, synagogues, mosques, temples, nonprofit organizations, etc. that serve diverse communities which often face bias and hate crimes. These funds are intended to improve security and heighten protection from future hate crimes.   Organizations were eligible to apply for grant awards ranging from $5,000 to $150,000 for security enhancements. Click here to read the full article DEP allocates $2.1 million for electric vehicles and clean fuel transportation  Pennsylvania’s Department of Environmental Protection and the Wolf Administration have announced availability of $2.1 million in Alternative Fuels Incentive Grants to municipalities and businesses. The awards allow for 99 electric vehicles and more clean fuel transportation projects to improve air quality in communities. The Alternative Fuels Incentive Grant (AFIG) program provides funding to assist businesses, municipalities, and nonprofit organizations with replacement of "older gasoline- or diesel-fueled vehicles with electric, renewable natural gas, compressed natural gas (CNG), ethanol, biodiesel, or propane gas fueled vehicles.”   Click here to read the full article Philadelphia restores indoor mask mandate as cases rise In early April, Philadelphia became the first major U.S. city to reinstate its indoor mask mandate after reporting a sharp increase in coronavirus infections. Confirmed COVID-19 cases had risen more than 50 percent in the previous 10 days. Health officials believe the BA.2 subvariant of omicron is responsible for the spike.  Click here to read the full article

Research Spotlight! The Institute's Energy Task Force has explored the use of alternative energy and its impact on fleet vehicles - as well as the economy - in Northeastern Pennsylvania. Use the link below to access this important study, along with more than a decade of valuable energy-centered insights. Click Here

From Around the Nation and the Globe Economic and Policy News

Conversations reveal intricacies of low-income homeownership The New York Fed’s Community Development team recent facilitated discussions about homeownership, and cited several findings. Among them is the reality that financial literacy and down payment assistance are key concepts of successful homeownership, particularly among individuals with low incomes. By reducing barriers to such knowledge and resources, banks and nonprofit organizations may be especially influential in the cultivation a new cohort of homeowners.   Click here to read the full article Rental vouchers play a role in alleviation of housing insecurity  During the pandemic, the federal government provided substantial funding for rental assistance through the use of vouchers. Assessment of federal relief is important for determining potential impact in future emergency relief efforts, and for understanding how such programs help people improve financial well-being. Furthermore, according to the Federal Reserve Banks of Atlanta and Philadelphia, “to support an inclusive and equitable recovery, it is important to consider how universal rental assistance could address the rental affordability crisis that has existed long before the pandemic.” Click here to read the full article Financial security requires more than job training and placement  Transition from poverty to financial stability is not always successful without adequate financial literacy skills and associated supports. Further, financial supports decrease with employment – even if the wages are not family sustaining. The Local Initiatives Support Corporation’s (LISC) Bridges to Career Opportunities program uses a holistic approach to alleviate these challenges.   Click here to read the full article

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