ISSUE 126 | September 23, 2021

The Institute is an economic research and applied research and consulting group that provides customized client solutions and strategies to facilitate decision making and planning that enhances growth, impact, and sustainability for organizations.

From Around the Region and the State Economic and Policy News

State and local pensions offer mixed results but new efforts improve position  As a result of market forces and increasing contributions, Pennsylvania’s pension plan moved to positive amortization from 2014-2019. Tools are available to help fund managers navigate future uncertainties, but sustainable plans must be implemented. Shifts to defined contribution as opposed to defined benefits will also help finances improve over time.  Click here to read the full article Labor unions increasing in more sectors throughout PA  From tech workers to librarians, union membership increased 1.5 percent from 2019 – 2020. For several decades, unionization in Pennsylvania has run low compared to other states. The trend appears to be changing as workplace safety emerges as a high area of concern.   Click here to read the full article Philly SD paying parents to transport students amid bus driver shortage Transportation providers have not been exempt from the national workforce shortage, and the School District of Philadelphia has taken action to mitigate the consequences. Its Parent Flat Rate program will pay parents to drive their children to and from school, or make alternative transportation plans. They may earn up to $3,000 for the school year, depending on the nature of participation.  Click here to read the full article

From Around the Nation and the Globe Economic and Policy News

Large-scale reassessment among complexities of worker shortage  The public and private sectors are beginning to realize that the end of the unemployment compensation add-on is not solving hiring challenges. Long-term and short-term issues are influencing the worker shortage. Some of these issues may be manageable through public policy development.  Click here to read the full article Public engagement efforts offer great power to a limited few  A Boston University study recognized that people who tend participate in public meetings are not representative of the communities. Even the extended use of technology such as videoconferences barely diversify citizen input. As a result, policies and initiatives that are implemented fail to meet true needs.  Click here to read the full article Hospital-based intervention shown to reduce family violence   In 19 states, hospital-based family violence intervention units are effectively helping victims deal with trauma. This success extends to violence prevention as well. In fact, their track records are so promising that a few states have allowed their Medicaid programs to cover the costs of the units.  Click here to read the full article

Research Spotlight: The workforce shortage looms in Northeastern Pennsylvania, just as it does throughout the country. Click below, and then on the red boxes labeled 'Education and Workforce Development' and 'Jobs, Economy, and Economic Development.' Scroll to find The Institute's extensive research surrounding the region's workforce dynamics. Click here to read more

OUR PARTNERS Research Institutions

PUBLICATION SUPPORT Relaying Relevant News & Research to Local Stakeholders