ISSUE 156 | May 11, 2022

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From Around the Region and the State Economic and Policy News

Philadelphia council votes to open first ever municipal public bank entity The city council agreed to the establishment of the Philadelphia Public Financial Authority, with a mission to “support Black-owned businesses and other businesses in neighborhoods that have historically lacked access to credit.” The entity is modeled after a state-owned North Dakota bank formed in 1919. The bank may also have a unique arrangement with private banks – loan participations (or guarantees) to share risk and eliminate competition while meeting credit needs.  Click here to read the full article PA ranks below national average in treatment of OUD   Slightly less than 70.0 percent of care facilities in Pennsylvania provide buprenorphine as a treatment for Opioid Use Disorder (OUD). The national average is 75.8 percent. States and insurance companies – not medical professionals – determine appropriate treatment despite FDA approval for buprenorphine and naltrexone.   Click here to read the full article Philadelphia’s cost-burdened households resemble those in NEPA Philadelphia’s share of cost-burdened renters exceeds numbers in comparable cities, with the challenge being low-household incomes combined with high rental and housing costs. The most vulnerable households are disproportionately affected, and that population is growing. A 2021 Institute study found the same challenges in Northeastern Pennsylvania.   Click here to read the full article

From Around the Nation and the Globe Economic and Policy News

Government needs to assure impact as steward of public money Colorado uses an evidence continuum framework to evaluate the effectiveness of public program planning and implementation. Doing so helps assure impact and guide funding activities. Once a program is designed, traditional program evaluation tools are used to identify outputs and assess outcomes for a final causal evidence evaluation. Click here to read the full article Pew Research demonstrates the role infrastructure plays in health equity An article from Pew Research describes how improved infrastructure and public health lead to reduced health care costs for all. Quality of water and reduced air pollution (from excessive traffic) can mitigate chronic diseases such as asthma and lead poisoning in adults and children, for instance. Furthermore, land use plans can connect housing, transportation, and workplaces while enhancing walkability.  Click here to read the full article Calling All Sectors Initiative improves maternal and infant outcomes In nine states and Washington D.C., a collaborative effort of cross-sector partners are working together to improve outcomes for mothers and newborns. They battle inequities by connecting hospitals to state agencies, nonprofit groups, and other care providers. These research-supported activities rely on community involvement to solidify best practices.  Click here to read the full article

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