A tight labor market with steady growth and historically low unemployment - those are the findings in the new "State of Working Pennsylvania" report. In July, Pennsylvania s unemployment rate was 3.5%, compared with 4.3% a year ago. Report co-author Stephen Herzenberg, an economist and executive director of the Keystone Research Center, said the strong economy should benefit workers even more looking forward. .
More Ohio students who qualify for reduced-priced meals will now be able to eat breakfast and lunch at school, even if their families cannot pay for it, thanks to a provision in the $191 billion, two-year state budget recently approved by Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine. Since March 2020, the U.S. .
Rural Ohio towns could see boosts in economic development projects, and investments in workforce development, emergency preparedness and water and sewer facilities, under recently introduced congressional legislation. The Rebuild Rural America Act, reintroduced by congressional lawmakers last month would create a new $50 billion long-term grant program for distressed rural communities. Sara Morgan, president of the Federation of Appalachian Housing Enterprises, said the bill would funnel much needed resources and support to rural communities facing different challenges. .
Advocates want to extend the New Markets Tax Credit, which has aided several Colorado developments. This tax credit incentivizes community development and economic growth by attracting private investors to distressed communities. In Colorado, this tax credit has led to the development of numerous projects, such as the Urban Peak Youth Shelter and the Tepeyac Community Health Center. .
With only a week to go until the next state budget has to be finalized, advocates for colleges and universities in Pennsylvania are hoping for a Senate vote that supports higher-education needs. House Bill 611, which made it through the House this month, would provide more funding for higher education in 2023-2024 than the $60 million that Gov. Josh Shapiro proposed. .