Arkansas is set to receive its second tranche of U.S. bailout funds, more than $786 million, to help residents still facing challenges from the pandemic. Advocates urge officials to use the money to help advance economic and racial justice.
Last month, Arkansas turned down the bulk of $146 million for a second round of federal emergency rental assistance. Governor Asa Hutchinson cited a strong economy and labor market as reasons for rejecting the funds.
Bruno Showers, senior policy analyst at Arkansas Advocates for Children and Families, countered that the influx of bailout dollars could help people struggling with rising housing costs.
“The evictions continue in Arkansas and people are really feeling the pain there,” Showers observed. “I think we could use some of that money to directly address those needs by increasing housing assistance, rent assistance, but also increasing the amount of affordable housing we have.”
The showers added that states like Arizona and Massachusetts could serve as models for using US bailout funds for housing services. Arkansas has until the end of 2024 to declare specific uses for the money and until the end of 2026 to spend it.
Arkansas previously sought community input on how to use the first round of funding through the state’s U.S. bailout. steering committee website. Showers said that in the future he thinks the state will get more answers by meeting people where they are.
“It would work better to get real community input if they went out into the community, posted reviews about it,” Showers suggested. “In county offices or other places where people interact with their local and state government; and held meetings to gather public input.”
He added that child poverty is another priority that could use an influx of federal dollars. In 2019, 22% of children in Arkansas were living in poverty, according to the Annie E. Casey Foundation.
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New York Mayor Eric Adams unveiled a plan to use the city’s zoning tools to support small businesses, create affordable housing and promote sustainability.
Adams announced the three citywide zoning changes Wednesday at the Association for a Better New York Power Breakfast.
Called the “City of Yes” planthe First Amendment focuses on economic development and aims to give small businesses more flexibility in how they can repurpose their space for a post-pandemic city.
Adams said it’s about removing bureaucracy and helping businesses scale.
“Think of the owner of a tapas bar who has live music on the weekends and wants to reserve a small space for dancing, but finds that, according to city rules, it’s not allowed.” said Adams. “We’re going to change that no to yes and let people dance.”
The amendment includes removing geographic limitations from certain businesses, including life sciences, custom manufacturing and nightlife.
Adams said the city will also work closely with communities on investments that can bring more jobs to New Yorkers, including opportunities in the Bronx. Four Metro North stations are scheduled to open in the Bronx in 2027.
Another zoning expansion under Adams’ “City of Yes” plan focuses on addressing the city’s affordable housing crisis. This includes facilitating conversions of underutilized buildings, such as vacant office space.
“City zoning laws place artificial limits on the number of studio apartments per building,” Adams said. “We’re going to change that and help a young person who has moved to the biggest city in the world, an older person to stay in the city they grew up in, or someone who has experienced homelessness to get permanent housing.”
The third part of the plan focuses on clean energy and adjusting zoning rules to help speed the installation of solar panels and electric vehicle charging stations. New York State and City Working Together to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions more than 80% by 2050.
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Starting Wednesday, Pennsylvanians could start to see a sharp rise in energy costs as summer approaches and inflation hits people hard. Advocates for seniors offer advice to residents on how to lower their electricity bills.
The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission announced earlier this month that most utilities would be adjust their prices for what is called the production of electricity. Increases could range from 6% to 45%, depending on the energy supplier.
Teresa Osborne, director of state advocacy for AARP Pennsylvania, said there are small things Pennsylvanians can do to lower their bills.
“Reduce consumption, increase electricity efficiency by raising your thermostat to 78 degrees or replacing your air conditioning filter,” Osborne pointed out. “We also encourage the purchase of new or replacement appliances. By choosing the most energy-efficient models, that money can be saved in the long run.”
Osborne added that higher energy bills are a major burden for seniors on fixed incomes. The average Social Security benefit is $21,000 per year.
Osborne pointed out that for low-income Pennsylvanians, there are electricity cost assistance programs. One of the most popular is the Home Energy Assistance Program for Low-Income Households (LIHEAP).
“With American Rescue Plan Act dollars available, Pennsylvania is in a position to nearly double the rebate this year,” Osborne noted. “People are really encouraged to check their eligibility, even calling the statewide LIHEAP hotline for information about the LIHEAP program specifically.”
The statewide hotline number is 1-866-857-7095. The LIHEAP application deadline has been extended to June 17. Other resources available include the Weatherization Assistance Programwhich can help residents finance energy efficiency projects in their homes.
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