How a Supreme Court Ruling Empowers PA Towns—and Threatens Unhoused People

This week, the Supreme Court has affirmed Grants Pass, the ability to punish citizens sleeping in public, regardless of an absence of shelters.

Though this ruling was stated to be public “harm reduction”, many argue that vulnerable populations are put more at-risk, particularly in cities such as Philadelphia, where debates around several encampments have arisen.

Pennsylvania continues to take an approach that focuses on affordable housing and developing new and existing shelters. 



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National Program at Scranton Museum Provides More Access to the Arts

The Institute of Museum and Library Services’ Museums for All program is increasing access to the Everhart Museum, along with eight other reginal museums and 87 around Pennsylvania.

Residents who receive food assistance such as SNAP or WIC can view the museum for free or a reduced rate.

This is part of a multi-state initiative to increase public access to the arts and community education, especially for local children. 



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Elder Abuse Investigations Woefully Slow in PA

A Spotlight PA investigation found that most of the state’s 52 county agencies who are responsible for the care and protection of aging adults are failing in varying degrees, from complaint reviews to care emergencies.

In some cases, protection services have taken five times or more than the mandated 20 days for abuse and neglect investigations, according to data collected since a 2018 report by the state inspector general’s office.

This also comes after data that shows the number of older Pennsylvanians who have died during an open complaint investigation has been increasing, with nearly 1,700 deaths reported in 2022. 



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When Little Kids Don’t Have Stable Housing, it Can Affect Their Health Later

San Jose is finding success with its Homelessness Prevention According to a study in the journal Pediatrics, children who do not have secure housing can experience negative health impacts later in life.

The Future of Families and Child Well-Being study has been observing a group of children across the United States for more than twenty years, recording their housing status as well as health.

NPR discusses the findings and implications of children who do not have long-term housing security. 



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The Path Ahead for Retirement Plan Startup Credits

According to the Bipartisan Policy Center, only one-third of employees of small businesses have access to an employer-sponsored retirement plan.

Congress has included financial support to small businesses in the SECURE Act in 2019, and again in 2022, with much of the support relating to tax codes.

Bipartisan Policy Center discusses the ways in which small businesses can receive and benefit from two tax credits to offset administrative costs in the first three years of operation, as well as potential improvements for the upcoming SECURE 3.0 program.

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The Mental Health Landscape of Older adults in the US

Studies find that the mental stressors that come with aging such as physical and mental decline and the loss of loved ones may lead to psychological distress or diagnosable mental illness.

The effects of psychological distress can impact the function of adults 65 and older more severely.

Brookings Research explores the nuances of mental health in older adults in the United States, and which policy solutions can best serve aging citizens at-risk for mental health decline.



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