ISSUE 148 | March 16, 2022

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From Around the Region and the State Economic and Policy News

PA considers statewide needle exchange Over 5,400 overdose deaths occurred in Pennsylvania within just 12 months. Lawmakers are now considering a bill allowing communities to operate syringe services programs. Such programs currently exist in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, as well as many states across the country.  Click here to read the full article School and child care issues hinder PA parents' employability at rate lower than national average About six percent of U.S. parents are not working due to issues surrounding child care and/or school. That average is five percent in the Commonwealth. These challenges disproportionately affects women and single parents, regardless of gender.  Click here to read the full article PA considering auto-IRA option for private sector workers PA is considering legislation that would create auto-IRAs and encourage more residents to save for retirement. Auto-IRAs are payroll deduction savings programs in which workers deposit money directly from their paychecks into accounts they can manage. Although workers would be automatically enrolled, they would have the ability opt out or change their contributions or investments at any time. Click here to read the full article

From Around the Nation and the Globe Economic and Policy News

Cedar Rapids leverages friendly competition to promote sustainability The city’s new climate action plan encourages direct participation in sustainability activities. These activities may involve riding bikes, planting gardens, shopping secondhand, raising chickens, etc. Community residents may access an educational portal, where they can also track their efforts earn rewards.  Click here to read the full article Collaboration and data sharing aid eradication of homelessness Multiple entry points for resources, as well as lack of data and tracking, mean that individuals experiencing homelessness may get lost in a system and miss available benefits. That’s why an innovative methodology was implemented upon the launch of Built for Zero, an initiative that trains organizations instead of providing services directly. Interagency coordination, along with a shared assessment tool, will enhance engagement and accountability. Click here to read the full article Research indicates COVID relocation not as significant as once thought Since the onset of the pandemic, conversations have swirled about a mass exodus from cities to suburban or rural areas. Recent research found that only three to five percent of Americans who relocated did so because of COVID, however. Some major cities have been adversely affected because people moved to follow availability of jobs.  Click here to read the full article

Research Spotlight! When it comes to data sharing, The Institute is the region's leading advocate! In fact, the annual Indicators Forum is right around the corner! Register to attend in person or virtually, and gain access to the latest data as well as a new series of Task Force Research.  Register Here

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