ISSUE 165 | July 13, 2022
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From Around the Region and the State
Economic and Policy News
PA considers bills to reign in pharmacy benefit managers
Three bills under consideration have been drafted in an effort to control spiraling pharmaceutical costs.

One would allow the Auditor General’s office to audit certain pharmacy benefit managers and forms a Prescription Drug Affordability Board and Council, and another would require pharmacy benefit managers to act in good faith with contracted Department of Health and medical assistance managed care organizations.

The third bill requires use of best practices and submission of transparency reports, while prohibiting gag clauses. 

Remote workers could relocate to NEPA if housing were available  
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Many remote workers relocated to small towns during the pandemic.

Mechanicsburg is one of those small towns; it has welcomed nearly 3,000 new residents since the onset of COVID-19.

Many communities across the country experienced similar benefits, but were capped due to housing shortages – an issue in NEPA as well. 
PA faces substantial shortage of affordable housing 
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According to a report from the National Low Income Housing Coalition, Pennsylvania faces a shortage of 221,744 affordable and available homes for those earning 50 percent and below of Area Median Income (AMI).

One-quarter of these households are severely cost burdened.

For those meeting the threshold of extremely low income, the state faces a shortage of 266,618 available and affordable units, with 70 percent of these renters severely cost burdened.
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Research Spotlight: Learn more about regional housing dynamics in the latest research from The Institute's Housing Task Force. This report explores options for revitalizing the market and improving its suitability for today's workforce.
From Around the Nation and the Globe
Economic and Policy News
Organization focuses on food for community-level development  
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Boston’s CommonWealth Kitchen is located in a poor, predominantly Black neighborhood.

It includes a food incubator, shared commercial kitchen space, and a co-packing facility with family-sustaining jobs.

The building was purchased through the New Markets Tax Credit (NMTC) program, and community-level grants support operations - one case study among many that successfully leverage NMTC funding. 
CDFI combines health care with housing support 
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Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) can fund more than small businesses; in fact, many generate economic development and provide major community development initiatives.

For example, one California health center is funded by a CDFI Capital Impact Partners project.

While the fund helps the health center function, it also supports social services to assist patients with housing and workforce needs.  
Florida inmates advise community leaders to help at-risk youth 
Inmates in a Florida prison have founded and developed the Positive Peer Leadership Program.

Participants offer their own knowledge and insights from past experiences to identify solutions for community violence perpetrated by youth.

Mentorship both inside and outside penitentiary walls is among these solutions.
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