People Experiencing Homelessness in Scranton Receive Care at Mobile Clinic

The Wright Center has created the Driving Better Health van, a mobile clinic that delivers medical care directly to individuals experiencing homelessness.

Launched in January, the van helps to overcome barriers such as accessibility and transportation.

Services include checkups, vaccinations, referrals, and access to resources. 

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Gov. Shapiro Proposes Plan for Pennsylvania Data Centers

Governor Shapiro has proposed a data center development plan to attract data centers to Pennsylvania by offering tax breaks and expedited permitting, while also ensuring that developers reduce impacts on local communities, environments, and grids.

The plan establishes voluntary standards aimed at protecting responsible development surrounding energy costs, environmental effects, and water costs.

Although the proposal balances these protections, it has also been met with mixed reactions from community members. 

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Shapiro Administration Invests to Expand Access to Affordable, Quality Child Care

The Shapiro-Davis Administration is expanding access to high-quality childcare across the state.

The investments target pathways to more affordable childcare options for working parents and encourage employers to assist workers align care needs.

The investments also highlight the Employer Child Care Contribution Tax Credit Program, which encourages businesses in Pennsylvania with tax breaks to support employees with children in eligible childcare or early learning programs.



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Quantifying the Value of the Federal Home Loan Bank System

The Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLBank) System is contributing to economic development by supplying reliable liquidity to financial institutions, strengthening bank stability and reducing the likelihood of financial crises.

The Urban Institute estimates that the FHLBank System generates a range of $13 billion to $21 billion annually in economic value, exceeding the benefits the system receives from its government-sponsored status.

This article explains how access to this system funding helps prevent bank failures, lowers risk, and supports broader financing for housing.



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Where and Why US Households Struggle to Make Ends Meet

In 2024, 45.5 percent of households in the United States did not earn enough to cover basic necessities, highlighting a ten-year trend in which more than 40 percent of households struggle to make ends meet.

Growing income gaps, rises in costs of essentials, and barriers such as housing and transportation force families to make difficult financial decisions.

Brookings Research explores the variation in affordability around the country, with demographics and location in mind as well as potential policy solutions. 

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The Unfinished Work of Retirement Reform

While recent bipartisan legislation has improved retirement savings systems, major gaps remain.

This is widely a result of tens of millions of U.S. workers lacking access to employer-sponsored retirement plans or being enrolled in plans with weak design features.

The Bipartisan Policy Center explains why social security alone is insufficient for retirement security, highlights persisting challenges and barriers, and provides further reform opportunities.



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