Shapiro Administration Calls for Eviction Record Sealing to Aid Renters

Last year, over 115,000 renters in Pennsylvania faced eviction filings, with most rulings favoring landlords and some never adjudicated.

Original eviction filings indefinitely mark a renter’s public record, negatively affecting future housing decisions.

The Shapiro Administration is urging a divided legislature to pass protective measures that would seal eviction records for residents statewide, a move that may improve housing opportunities.

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Housing Alliance of Pennsylvania January 2025 Legislative Update

This year has marked several new legislative updates on statewide housing issues.

For the first time, a Pennsylvania Governor has directly sought advice from housing providers on a wide scale, hosting representatives from several departments and organizations to discuss a statewide action plan.

The Housing Alliance highlights several key updates in the housing action plan. 

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Philadelphia Pilot Program Brings Playful Learning to Housing Communities

The Philadelphia-based Live and Learn pilot program is installing interactive learning spaces and play activities in affordable housing communities.

The initiative was created to help children in these communities strengthen language, math, science, and problem-solving skills.

Funded by the William Penn Foundation and hosting advisory members from Temple University, the Live and Learn pilot program considers the developmental benefits of playful learning models.          

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Addressing Racial Equity in Jail Population Reduction

Equity remains a vital piece of restructuring the criminal legal system, with an emphasis on the reduction of overincarceration, especially of marginalized groups.

The Safety and Justice Challenge Initiative, practiced by Illinois and California, along with The Urban Institute, examined the relationship between equity and decarceration, along with key factors behind disparities in the legal process.

This case study details key findings and how studies are conducted to help reduce the risk of inequalities in the prison system.



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Some Incarcerated Youths Will Get Health Care After Release Under New Law 

A new federal law will help to connect incarcerated youth with health insurance to prevent reoffending and better aid rehabilitation.

Despite showing a decrease in the last 20 years, over 64,000 children and young adults are incarcerated in prisons or juvenile facilities, who must navigate securing their own healthcare after release.

This law would also be the first to change the prohibition on Medicaid providing health services for incarcerated people.



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The Human Capital Challenge

Human capital, or the collective skills, knowledge, and experience of a nation’s residents, remains a challenge to the United States in an evolving post-pandemic labor market.

Many of the nation’s working class are struggling to afford care and housing, youths are facing education challenges, and new graduates face a changing workforce.

The Bipartisan Policy Center discusses major factors affecting the United States’ human capital, and how to address growing concerns in labor force trends.



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