ISSUE 166 | July 20, 2022
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From Around the Region and the State
Economic and Policy News
PA not among states mandating implicit bias training in healthcare workers 
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Healthcare workers indicate that they treat patients of all races and ethnicities equally, but research suggests otherwise.

As a result, many states are mandating completion of implicit bias training to ensure greater equity and health outcomes for all.

Pennsylvania has yet to implement such a requirement. 
Springboard Collaborative enhances literacy in parents as well as children 
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Children spend more time at home than they spend in school, so it makes sense that they can learn more at home.

Many parents struggle with literacy themselves, however, and for others English is a second language.

That is why one program is helping parents help themselves as well as their children, and has documented reading growth as a result. 
Population loss need not equate to “demographic doom” in PA 
The 2020 Census has revealed that populations are declining in 17 states.

Pennsylvania has lost 0.2 percent of its population.

Experts suggest that the exodus may be slowed through improved resident education and job opportunities – particularly amid increases in remote work and relocation.
From Around the Nation and the Globe
Economic and Policy News
Fare caps improve transit accessibility and equity  
Many cities are capping transit fares to improve ridership and advance equity.

In New York City, for instance, one-time riders many now receive the same discounts as weekly or monthly pass holders.

This way, they aren’t punished for an ability to make large, up-front purchases. 
Digital redlining should be addressed in statewide plans 
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Much like traditional redlining, digital redlining limits access to resources by offering relatively poor internet service plans at relatively high costs in low-income neighborhoods.

Investment decisions involving upgrades are made in favor of profitability – not inclusivity.

Some state and local governments are attempting to mitigate this issue by forming regional groups and pooling resources for improved infrastructure, while considering strategies for stimulating competition among service providers.
Early learning is flourishing in Louisiana
Early learning centers have been growing in New Orleans neighborhoods for decades.

This success results from an approach to childcare through community connections instead of formal systems.

Agenda for Children and the Louisiana Policy Institute for Children (LPIC) are among the organizations leading this growth.
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Research Spotlight: The Institute has explored presence of redlining in Northeastern Pennsylvania, along with patterns of racial segregation and poverty.
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