PA Grows Pittsburgh’s Braddock Farms with $500,000 Investment

The Shapiro Administration has announced a $500,000 investment in Pittsburgh-based Braddock Farms to increase urban fresh food access and bolster local economic development.

Part of the Pennsylvania Farm Bill’s Urban Agriculture Infrastructure grants, the $13 million project will target farms’ growth statewide.

The coming 2024-2025 budget period is a historic investment in statewide farms. 



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PA Child Care Staffing Still Major Issue, Advocates Say

Pennsylvania advocates from organizations such as the Pennsylvania Child Care Association still express concerns over the shortage of childcare providers.

Along with the trend of closing care facilities, these organizations aim to find the root of childcare facility closures, and incentives for more consistent and emerging care providers.

Low wages, staff retention, and operation hours are key areas of study and solution planning. 



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Philly Public Transit Focus of Bridging Blocks Discussions

 Over the last few Philadelphia Bridging Blocks discussions, attendees have focused on the cleanliness, accessibility, and efficiency of SEPTA operations.

This comes as a statewide appeal for “safe, reliable service”, especially in urban areas, and the suggestion that current SEPTA transit lines are not operating at their full potential.

Last month, the state budget has approved $51 million for the improvement of SEPTA operations. 



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If Social Security Runs Out of Money, Poverty Among Older Adults and People with Disabilities will Soar 

According to current projections, the combined trusts of Social Security is expected to run out around 2035, unless a solution is found.

If closed, the lack of funding will have grievous consequences for aging Americans and Americans with disabilities.

The Urban Institute the current and predicted state of Social Security, and potential outcomes and solutions that policy makers can discuss. 



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The US Government is Spending $7 Billion on Solar for Low-Income Homes

Both nonprofit organizations and the US government have been investing in the rise of solar power for low-income communities.

The EPA is expecting to begin a $7 billion distribution across the nation for solar expansion under the Solar for All grant program, providing roof solar panels, solar batteries, and community solar farms in low-income areas.

NPR discusses the global and national turn towards solar energy, as well as the benefits of introducing solar power to low-income communities. 

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Prime-Age Women are Still Driving the Labor Market Recovery 

Recent studies have found that in the past five years, prime-age women are behind the increase of labor force participation and have reached their highest rate of labor force participation in the last few months.

According to researcher Claudia Goldin, women are new at the core of many worldwide economies, although with different demographics of women having various degrees of participation.

Brookings research discusses recent findings on women in the workforce, and recent trends in womens’ economic participation.  



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