Trend analysis illuminates state fiscal health 

Approximately 39 percent of Pennsylvania’s revenue consists of federal funding, compared to an approximate 36 percent nationwide.

Furthermore, the state’s Medicare spending has increased at a rate greater than the national rate.

Population growth falls short of the 50-state median, however.

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Research identifies policies with potential for improved community supervision

Research from The Pew Charitable Trusts has identified policy reform opportunities within community supervision systems such as probation and parole.

Recommendations include caps on supervision term lengths, compliance credit, limited incarceration prior to hearings and for technical violations, and prohibition of driver’s license suspension.

These changes will help divert resources to higher-risk offenders, and minimize obstacles to employment and economic mobility. 

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Philadelphia mixes entrepreneurship and mentoring

Philadelphia is allowing entrepreneurs free space in community recreation centers to open or grow their small businesses.

In return, the entrepreneurs must provide programming and mentoring to youth and families using the centers.

The program, Making Space, also awards grants for strong entrepreneurial ideas. 

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Diverse home environments offer new social interactions for people with disabilities

A New Jersey community development financial institution (CDFI) funded some homes in Morristown to serve as residences for adults with and without disabilities, where support services are available on site.

These residences are unique in that staff members are neither paid nor necessarily neurotypical.

Instead, the relationships allow for reciprocal learning opportunities.

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Burlington has been 100 percent renewable since 2014

Leaders in Burlington, Vermont have successfully implemented a plan to transition to 100 percent renewable energy.

They report financial benefits as well as environmental benefits.

Returns include another city revenue stream, which keeps tax rates steady for residents and improves that held taxes steady for residents and improved the city’s credit rating.  

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Violence prevention tied to job training, employment, and community

A San Francisco supper club now serves as a job training site for at-risk youth.

It was designed to provide family-like supports and foster a community environment.

Old Skool is a holistic program that helps youth adjust after leaving foster care or even incarceration. 

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