Shapiro Invests in ID/A Services: More Access, Higher Wages, Shorter Waitlists

The Shapiro Administration has unveiled an expansion of intellectual disabilities and autism (ID/A) services across the state.

The historic funding has extended support to an additional 4,000 individuals and has cut the emergency waitlist by 28 percent.

Wages for support professionals have also increased.

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Rental Aid Program Helps Philadelphia Renters Stay Housed 

The Philadelphia housing pilot PHLHousing+, launched in 2022, provides unconditional cash payments with prepaid debit cards to low-income renter households in the city.

This pilot is aiming to prevent these households from spending over 30 percent of their income on housing.

After two years, participants were less likely to face eviction or homelessness than those without similar program support.  

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Pennsylvania Lawmakers Question Data Centers’ Energy Use

Pennsylvania state lawmakers have been questioning the long-term implications of data centers.

Although the centers may provide economic benefits such as job creation and tax revenues, some advocates are raising concerns about their high energy and water usage which could potentially strain the state grid.

This article discusses the proposed pros and cons to the implementation of Pennsylvania data centers. 



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Regional Commissions Deliver Infrastructure Where It Matters Most

Many regional commissions devote large portions of their infrastructure funding to distressed rural areas.

Regional commissions use targeted grant-based approaches to reach underserved communities.

Brookings Research discussed three federally chartered regional commissions and their impact on communities. 

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How Often Are Congressional Districts Redrawn Between Censuses?

Sates redrawing congressional districts between decennial censuses has been very uncommon since 1970, with only two states making voluntary changes.

Most mid-decade changes are the result of court intervention, rather than pursuing state initiatives.

The Pew Research Center explains how states redraw congressional districts between censuses and when legislative-led redistricting occurs.

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How Women’s Labor Has Shaped the U.S. Economy

The rise of women in the labor force over the last few decades has played a significant role in altering business cycles.

However, women remain as secondary earners or underrepresented in certain industries in many instances.

The Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis explores how women have shaped the modern U.S. economy. 

 

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